❓ Details of financial assistance schemes for farmers in WA, including purpose, eligibility, expenditure, and budget allocations for Rural Adjustment Scheme, Gascoyne Murchison Strategy, and South Coast Regional Strategy.
AnsweredQoN 794Legislative Council
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(b) the purpose of the assistance; (c) the eligibility criteria for assistance; (d) the actual expenditure in - (i) 2001-2002; (ii) 2002-2003; and (iii) the budgeted allocation in 2003-2004?
(c) the eligibility criteria for assistance; (d) the actual expenditure in - (i) 2001-2002; (ii) 2002-2003; and (iii) the budgeted allocation in 2003-2004?
(d) the actual expenditure in - (i) 2001-2002; (ii) 2002-2003; and (iii) the budgeted allocation in 2003-2004?
(ii) 2002-2003; and (iii) the budgeted allocation in 2003-2004?
(iii) the budgeted allocation in 2003-2004?
(a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Adjustment Scheme – Exceptional Circumstances (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers in Exceptional Circumstances declared areas of Western Australia who would otherwise have prospects of long-term profitability and sustainability, but for exceptional conditions arising from an event which have detrimentally affected the farmer’s income, leading to financial difficulty. Interest rate subsidy grants of up to 50% on interest payable and associated costs of borrowings are provided for up to two years. The maximum grant is $100,000 per year. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Provided only to farmers in the declared areas. · Business must have long-term profitability and sustainability, have suffered a production decline and suffered reduced equity. · Subsidy calculated on interest payable and associated costs of farm borrowings. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $7,839,416 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $6,000,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $3,160,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Gascoyne Murchison Strategy Rural Partnership Program (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to facilitate the sustainability, profitability and productivity of farm business enterprises and farm business groups in the Gascoyne-Murchison region of Western Australia. This will be achieved through the implementation of a number of measures as detailed in the Commonwealth State Agreement. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is set out in the Policy Guidelines for each type of measure. · Implementation of Business Plans: grants provided to farm business enterprises undertaking productivity enhancement measures in accordance with business plans. Grants also provided to farm business enterprises for on-farm works and activities to achieve property build up, to enable property amalgamation, property improvement, enterprise diversification and other productivity enhancing initiatives. · Identification and Development of Regionally Based Alternative Enterprises: financial support to assist in meeting the costs associated with initial planning and feasibility of alternative enterprises relevant to the Gascoyne Murchison region, grants to assist the implementation of alternative enterprises relevant to the Gascoyne Murchison region and support for enterprise adjustment through diversifying leases. · Voluntary Lease Adjustment: facilitation of the development of options for the restructuring of leases and broker the restructure and sale of leases and where appropriate provide funds to facilitate restructuring of leases and provision of funding to assist producers experiencing long-term business difficulties in assessing opportunities for structural and enterprise adjustment. · The scheme closes for new applications on 28 August 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in: (i) 2001-02 $966,907 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,648,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,772,000 (Includes $1.508m RBDC & $0.264m DAWA) (a) Name of Financial Assistance South Coast Regional Strategy (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to facilitate improved sustainability and profitability of enterprises in the South Coast region of Western Australia. This will be achieved by provision of grants to eligible farm business enterprises undertaking productivity enhancement in accordance with business plans including but not limited to activities such as: · on and off farm works and activities to achieve property improvement, enterprise diversification, property build up, and other productivity enhancing initiatives. · financial support to assist in meeting the costs associated with the provision of appropriate professional advice regarding the feasibility and development of alternative enterprises relevant to the South Coast region. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property within the defined region. · The applicant must prepare a Business Plan that identifies both long term profitability and sustainability of farm business enterprise. · Grants, up to $10,000 are provided to implement agreed activities within the business plan. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,462,622 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $30,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Resource Adjustment Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to: · assist landholders engaged in rural industry who have been adversely affected by a government objection to the clearing of remnant vegetation on their property · to establish ownership and management of that remnant vegetation in a manner which will maintain its condition in the long term for the benefit of rural industry and the wider community. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Those landholders in Western Australia who submitted a Notice of Intention to Clear Land between 17 May 1995 and the starting date of the Memorandum of Understanding for the Protection of Remnant Vegetation in the Agricultural region of Western Australia, and had an objection placed against their clearing by the Commissioner for Soil and Land Conservation; · The landholder(s) must register for the scheme prior to 1 January 1998; · The land must be zoned Rural; · If necessary, it must be practical to subdivide the remnant vegetation area into a separate location, in a manner supported by the WA Planning Commission and the appropriate local government authority; · The vegetation under consideration must be contiguous · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $16,888 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $150,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Progress Rural Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to invest and support agricultural industry projects and activities that will produce identifiable state, rural industry or regional benefits. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant can be a “farm business enterprise” or a “farmer group” or a “group of farmers” based in Western Australia, · Projects must demonstrate identifiable state wide, rural industry or regional benefits. · Application to be based on a suitable submission or business plan and proposal that clearly identifies how funding will assist the achievement of objectives of the applicant and the scheme. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $486,443 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $5,459 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Ovine Johne’s Disease De-Stocking Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to assist eligible property owners to defray part of the financial impact resulting from the de-stocking of all sheep and goats in order to maintain WA’s area free from this disease. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property. · The applicant must as at 1 January 2001, have been issued with an order under Regulation 18 of the Enzootic Disease Regulations 1970 requiring de-stocking of all sheep and goats from the property. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $135,000 (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii)Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 1 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to increase participation by Participants in learning activities which will enhance the profitability, competitiveness and sustainability of their farm business enterprises; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefits of continuous learning and skills development and their relevance to the changing management needs of a competitive farm sector; and · to enhance the capacity of Participants to identify and access appropriate learning activities and influence more flexible delivery of those activities. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 50% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closed for new applications on 30 June 2001. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $678,835 (ii) 2002-03 $nil. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
Rural Adjustment Scheme – Exceptional Circumstances (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers in Exceptional Circumstances declared areas of Western Australia who would otherwise have prospects of long-term profitability and sustainability, but for exceptional conditions arising from an event which have detrimentally affected the farmer’s income, leading to financial difficulty. Interest rate subsidy grants of up to 50% on interest payable and associated costs of borrowings are provided for up to two years. The maximum grant is $100,000 per year. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Provided only to farmers in the declared areas. · Business must have long-term profitability and sustainability, have suffered a production decline and suffered reduced equity. · Subsidy calculated on interest payable and associated costs of farm borrowings. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $7,839,416 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $6,000,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $3,160,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Gascoyne Murchison Strategy Rural Partnership Program (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to facilitate the sustainability, profitability and productivity of farm business enterprises and farm business groups in the Gascoyne-Murchison region of Western Australia. This will be achieved through the implementation of a number of measures as detailed in the Commonwealth State Agreement. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is set out in the Policy Guidelines for each type of measure. · Implementation of Business Plans: grants provided to farm business enterprises undertaking productivity enhancement measures in accordance with business plans. Grants also provided to farm business enterprises for on-farm works and activities to achieve property build up, to enable property amalgamation, property improvement, enterprise diversification and other productivity enhancing initiatives. · Identification and Development of Regionally Based Alternative Enterprises: financial support to assist in meeting the costs associated with initial planning and feasibility of alternative enterprises relevant to the Gascoyne Murchison region, grants to assist the implementation of alternative enterprises relevant to the Gascoyne Murchison region and support for enterprise adjustment through diversifying leases. · Voluntary Lease Adjustment: facilitation of the development of options for the restructuring of leases and broker the restructure and sale of leases and where appropriate provide funds to facilitate restructuring of leases and provision of funding to assist producers experiencing long-term business difficulties in assessing opportunities for structural and enterprise adjustment. · The scheme closes for new applications on 28 August 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in: (i) 2001-02 $966,907 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,648,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,772,000 (Includes $1.508m RBDC & $0.264m DAWA) (a) Name of Financial Assistance South Coast Regional Strategy (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to facilitate improved sustainability and profitability of enterprises in the South Coast region of Western Australia. This will be achieved by provision of grants to eligible farm business enterprises undertaking productivity enhancement in accordance with business plans including but not limited to activities such as: · on and off farm works and activities to achieve property improvement, enterprise diversification, property build up, and other productivity enhancing initiatives. · financial support to assist in meeting the costs associated with the provision of appropriate professional advice regarding the feasibility and development of alternative enterprises relevant to the South Coast region. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property within the defined region. · The applicant must prepare a Business Plan that identifies both long term profitability and sustainability of farm business enterprise. · Grants, up to $10,000 are provided to implement agreed activities within the business plan. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,462,622 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $30,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Resource Adjustment Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to: · assist landholders engaged in rural industry who have been adversely affected by a government objection to the clearing of remnant vegetation on their property · to establish ownership and management of that remnant vegetation in a manner which will maintain its condition in the long term for the benefit of rural industry and the wider community. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Those landholders in Western Australia who submitted a Notice of Intention to Clear Land between 17 May 1995 and the starting date of the Memorandum of Understanding for the Protection of Remnant Vegetation in the Agricultural region of Western Australia, and had an objection placed against their clearing by the Commissioner for Soil and Land Conservation; · The landholder(s) must register for the scheme prior to 1 January 1998; · The land must be zoned Rural; · If necessary, it must be practical to subdivide the remnant vegetation area into a separate location, in a manner supported by the WA Planning Commission and the appropriate local government authority; · The vegetation under consideration must be contiguous · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $16,888 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $150,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Progress Rural Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to invest and support agricultural industry projects and activities that will produce identifiable state, rural industry or regional benefits. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant can be a “farm business enterprise” or a “farmer group” or a “group of farmers” based in Western Australia, · Projects must demonstrate identifiable state wide, rural industry or regional benefits. · Application to be based on a suitable submission or business plan and proposal that clearly identifies how funding will assist the achievement of objectives of the applicant and the scheme. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $486,443 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $5,459 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Ovine Johne’s Disease De-Stocking Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to assist eligible property owners to defray part of the financial impact resulting from the de-stocking of all sheep and goats in order to maintain WA’s area free from this disease. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property. · The applicant must as at 1 January 2001, have been issued with an order under Regulation 18 of the Enzootic Disease Regulations 1970 requiring de-stocking of all sheep and goats from the property. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $135,000 (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii)Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 1 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to increase participation by Participants in learning activities which will enhance the profitability, competitiveness and sustainability of their farm business enterprises; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefits of continuous learning and skills development and their relevance to the changing management needs of a competitive farm sector; and · to enhance the capacity of Participants to identify and access appropriate learning activities and influence more flexible delivery of those activities. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 50% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closed for new applications on 30 June 2001. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $678,835 (ii) 2002-03 $nil. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers in Exceptional Circumstances declared areas of Western Australia who would otherwise have prospects of long-term profitability and sustainability, but for exceptional conditions arising from an event which have detrimentally affected the farmer’s income, leading to financial difficulty. Interest rate subsidy grants of up to 50% on interest payable and associated costs of borrowings are provided for up to two years. The maximum grant is $100,000 per year. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Provided only to farmers in the declared areas. · Business must have long-term profitability and sustainability, have suffered a production decline and suffered reduced equity. · Subsidy calculated on interest payable and associated costs of farm borrowings. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $7,839,416 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $6,000,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $3,160,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Gascoyne Murchison Strategy Rural Partnership Program (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to facilitate the sustainability, profitability and productivity of farm business enterprises and farm business groups in the Gascoyne-Murchison region of Western Australia. This will be achieved through the implementation of a number of measures as detailed in the Commonwealth State Agreement. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is set out in the Policy Guidelines for each type of measure. · Implementation of Business Plans: grants provided to farm business enterprises undertaking productivity enhancement measures in accordance with business plans. Grants also provided to farm business enterprises for on-farm works and activities to achieve property build up, to enable property amalgamation, property improvement, enterprise diversification and other productivity enhancing initiatives. · Identification and Development of Regionally Based Alternative Enterprises: financial support to assist in meeting the costs associated with initial planning and feasibility of alternative enterprises relevant to the Gascoyne Murchison region, grants to assist the implementation of alternative enterprises relevant to the Gascoyne Murchison region and support for enterprise adjustment through diversifying leases. · Voluntary Lease Adjustment: facilitation of the development of options for the restructuring of leases and broker the restructure and sale of leases and where appropriate provide funds to facilitate restructuring of leases and provision of funding to assist producers experiencing long-term business difficulties in assessing opportunities for structural and enterprise adjustment. · The scheme closes for new applications on 28 August 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in: (i) 2001-02 $966,907 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,648,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,772,000 (Includes $1.508m RBDC & $0.264m DAWA) (a) Name of Financial Assistance South Coast Regional Strategy (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to facilitate improved sustainability and profitability of enterprises in the South Coast region of Western Australia. This will be achieved by provision of grants to eligible farm business enterprises undertaking productivity enhancement in accordance with business plans including but not limited to activities such as: · on and off farm works and activities to achieve property improvement, enterprise diversification, property build up, and other productivity enhancing initiatives. · financial support to assist in meeting the costs associated with the provision of appropriate professional advice regarding the feasibility and development of alternative enterprises relevant to the South Coast region. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property within the defined region. · The applicant must prepare a Business Plan that identifies both long term profitability and sustainability of farm business enterprise. · Grants, up to $10,000 are provided to implement agreed activities within the business plan. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,462,622 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $30,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Resource Adjustment Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to: · assist landholders engaged in rural industry who have been adversely affected by a government objection to the clearing of remnant vegetation on their property · to establish ownership and management of that remnant vegetation in a manner which will maintain its condition in the long term for the benefit of rural industry and the wider community. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Those landholders in Western Australia who submitted a Notice of Intention to Clear Land between 17 May 1995 and the starting date of the Memorandum of Understanding for the Protection of Remnant Vegetation in the Agricultural region of Western Australia, and had an objection placed against their clearing by the Commissioner for Soil and Land Conservation; · The landholder(s) must register for the scheme prior to 1 January 1998; · The land must be zoned Rural; · If necessary, it must be practical to subdivide the remnant vegetation area into a separate location, in a manner supported by the WA Planning Commission and the appropriate local government authority; · The vegetation under consideration must be contiguous · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $16,888 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $150,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Progress Rural Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to invest and support agricultural industry projects and activities that will produce identifiable state, rural industry or regional benefits. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant can be a “farm business enterprise” or a “farmer group” or a “group of farmers” based in Western Australia, · Projects must demonstrate identifiable state wide, rural industry or regional benefits. · Application to be based on a suitable submission or business plan and proposal that clearly identifies how funding will assist the achievement of objectives of the applicant and the scheme. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $486,443 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $5,459 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Ovine Johne’s Disease De-Stocking Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to assist eligible property owners to defray part of the financial impact resulting from the de-stocking of all sheep and goats in order to maintain WA’s area free from this disease. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property. · The applicant must as at 1 January 2001, have been issued with an order under Regulation 18 of the Enzootic Disease Regulations 1970 requiring de-stocking of all sheep and goats from the property. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $135,000 (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii)Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 1 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to increase participation by Participants in learning activities which will enhance the profitability, competitiveness and sustainability of their farm business enterprises; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefits of continuous learning and skills development and their relevance to the changing management needs of a competitive farm sector; and · to enhance the capacity of Participants to identify and access appropriate learning activities and influence more flexible delivery of those activities. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 50% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closed for new applications on 30 June 2001. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $678,835 (ii) 2002-03 $nil. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
Assist farmers in Exceptional Circumstances declared areas of Western Australia who would otherwise have prospects of long-term profitability and sustainability, but for exceptional conditions arising from an event which have detrimentally affected the farmer’s income, leading to financial difficulty. Interest rate subsidy grants of up to 50% on interest payable and associated costs of borrowings are provided for up to two years. The maximum grant is $100,000 per year. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Provided only to farmers in the declared areas. · Business must have long-term profitability and sustainability, have suffered a production decline and suffered reduced equity. · Subsidy calculated on interest payable and associated costs of farm borrowings. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $7,839,416 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $6,000,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $3,160,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Gascoyne Murchison Strategy Rural Partnership Program (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to facilitate the sustainability, profitability and productivity of farm business enterprises and farm business groups in the Gascoyne-Murchison region of Western Australia. This will be achieved through the implementation of a number of measures as detailed in the Commonwealth State Agreement. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is set out in the Policy Guidelines for each type of measure. · Implementation of Business Plans: grants provided to farm business enterprises undertaking productivity enhancement measures in accordance with business plans. Grants also provided to farm business enterprises for on-farm works and activities to achieve property build up, to enable property amalgamation, property improvement, enterprise diversification and other productivity enhancing initiatives. · Identification and Development of Regionally Based Alternative Enterprises: financial support to assist in meeting the costs associated with initial planning and feasibility of alternative enterprises relevant to the Gascoyne Murchison region, grants to assist the implementation of alternative enterprises relevant to the Gascoyne Murchison region and support for enterprise adjustment through diversifying leases. · Voluntary Lease Adjustment: facilitation of the development of options for the restructuring of leases and broker the restructure and sale of leases and where appropriate provide funds to facilitate restructuring of leases and provision of funding to assist producers experiencing long-term business difficulties in assessing opportunities for structural and enterprise adjustment. · The scheme closes for new applications on 28 August 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in: (i) 2001-02 $966,907 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,648,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,772,000 (Includes $1.508m RBDC & $0.264m DAWA) (a) Name of Financial Assistance South Coast Regional Strategy (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to facilitate improved sustainability and profitability of enterprises in the South Coast region of Western Australia. This will be achieved by provision of grants to eligible farm business enterprises undertaking productivity enhancement in accordance with business plans including but not limited to activities such as: · on and off farm works and activities to achieve property improvement, enterprise diversification, property build up, and other productivity enhancing initiatives. · financial support to assist in meeting the costs associated with the provision of appropriate professional advice regarding the feasibility and development of alternative enterprises relevant to the South Coast region. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property within the defined region. · The applicant must prepare a Business Plan that identifies both long term profitability and sustainability of farm business enterprise. · Grants, up to $10,000 are provided to implement agreed activities within the business plan. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,462,622 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $30,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Resource Adjustment Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to: · assist landholders engaged in rural industry who have been adversely affected by a government objection to the clearing of remnant vegetation on their property · to establish ownership and management of that remnant vegetation in a manner which will maintain its condition in the long term for the benefit of rural industry and the wider community. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Those landholders in Western Australia who submitted a Notice of Intention to Clear Land between 17 May 1995 and the starting date of the Memorandum of Understanding for the Protection of Remnant Vegetation in the Agricultural region of Western Australia, and had an objection placed against their clearing by the Commissioner for Soil and Land Conservation; · The landholder(s) must register for the scheme prior to 1 January 1998; · The land must be zoned Rural; · If necessary, it must be practical to subdivide the remnant vegetation area into a separate location, in a manner supported by the WA Planning Commission and the appropriate local government authority; · The vegetation under consideration must be contiguous · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $16,888 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $150,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Progress Rural Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to invest and support agricultural industry projects and activities that will produce identifiable state, rural industry or regional benefits. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant can be a “farm business enterprise” or a “farmer group” or a “group of farmers” based in Western Australia, · Projects must demonstrate identifiable state wide, rural industry or regional benefits. · Application to be based on a suitable submission or business plan and proposal that clearly identifies how funding will assist the achievement of objectives of the applicant and the scheme. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $486,443 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $5,459 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Ovine Johne’s Disease De-Stocking Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to assist eligible property owners to defray part of the financial impact resulting from the de-stocking of all sheep and goats in order to maintain WA’s area free from this disease. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property. · The applicant must as at 1 January 2001, have been issued with an order under Regulation 18 of the Enzootic Disease Regulations 1970 requiring de-stocking of all sheep and goats from the property. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $135,000 (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii)Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 1 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to increase participation by Participants in learning activities which will enhance the profitability, competitiveness and sustainability of their farm business enterprises; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefits of continuous learning and skills development and their relevance to the changing management needs of a competitive farm sector; and · to enhance the capacity of Participants to identify and access appropriate learning activities and influence more flexible delivery of those activities. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 50% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closed for new applications on 30 June 2001. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $678,835 (ii) 2002-03 $nil. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
Interest rate subsidy grants of up to 50% on interest payable and associated costs of borrowings are provided for up to two years. The maximum grant is $100,000 per year. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Provided only to farmers in the declared areas. · Business must have long-term profitability and sustainability, have suffered a production decline and suffered reduced equity. · Subsidy calculated on interest payable and associated costs of farm borrowings. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $7,839,416 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $6,000,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $3,160,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Gascoyne Murchison Strategy Rural Partnership Program (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to facilitate the sustainability, profitability and productivity of farm business enterprises and farm business groups in the Gascoyne-Murchison region of Western Australia. This will be achieved through the implementation of a number of measures as detailed in the Commonwealth State Agreement. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is set out in the Policy Guidelines for each type of measure. · Implementation of Business Plans: grants provided to farm business enterprises undertaking productivity enhancement measures in accordance with business plans. Grants also provided to farm business enterprises for on-farm works and activities to achieve property build up, to enable property amalgamation, property improvement, enterprise diversification and other productivity enhancing initiatives. · Identification and Development of Regionally Based Alternative Enterprises: financial support to assist in meeting the costs associated with initial planning and feasibility of alternative enterprises relevant to the Gascoyne Murchison region, grants to assist the implementation of alternative enterprises relevant to the Gascoyne Murchison region and support for enterprise adjustment through diversifying leases. · Voluntary Lease Adjustment: facilitation of the development of options for the restructuring of leases and broker the restructure and sale of leases and where appropriate provide funds to facilitate restructuring of leases and provision of funding to assist producers experiencing long-term business difficulties in assessing opportunities for structural and enterprise adjustment. · The scheme closes for new applications on 28 August 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in: (i) 2001-02 $966,907 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,648,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,772,000 (Includes $1.508m RBDC & $0.264m DAWA) (a) Name of Financial Assistance South Coast Regional Strategy (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to facilitate improved sustainability and profitability of enterprises in the South Coast region of Western Australia. This will be achieved by provision of grants to eligible farm business enterprises undertaking productivity enhancement in accordance with business plans including but not limited to activities such as: · on and off farm works and activities to achieve property improvement, enterprise diversification, property build up, and other productivity enhancing initiatives. · financial support to assist in meeting the costs associated with the provision of appropriate professional advice regarding the feasibility and development of alternative enterprises relevant to the South Coast region. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property within the defined region. · The applicant must prepare a Business Plan that identifies both long term profitability and sustainability of farm business enterprise. · Grants, up to $10,000 are provided to implement agreed activities within the business plan. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,462,622 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $30,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Resource Adjustment Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to: · assist landholders engaged in rural industry who have been adversely affected by a government objection to the clearing of remnant vegetation on their property · to establish ownership and management of that remnant vegetation in a manner which will maintain its condition in the long term for the benefit of rural industry and the wider community. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Those landholders in Western Australia who submitted a Notice of Intention to Clear Land between 17 May 1995 and the starting date of the Memorandum of Understanding for the Protection of Remnant Vegetation in the Agricultural region of Western Australia, and had an objection placed against their clearing by the Commissioner for Soil and Land Conservation; · The landholder(s) must register for the scheme prior to 1 January 1998; · The land must be zoned Rural; · If necessary, it must be practical to subdivide the remnant vegetation area into a separate location, in a manner supported by the WA Planning Commission and the appropriate local government authority; · The vegetation under consideration must be contiguous · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $16,888 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $150,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Progress Rural Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to invest and support agricultural industry projects and activities that will produce identifiable state, rural industry or regional benefits. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant can be a “farm business enterprise” or a “farmer group” or a “group of farmers” based in Western Australia, · Projects must demonstrate identifiable state wide, rural industry or regional benefits. · Application to be based on a suitable submission or business plan and proposal that clearly identifies how funding will assist the achievement of objectives of the applicant and the scheme. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $486,443 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $5,459 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Ovine Johne’s Disease De-Stocking Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to assist eligible property owners to defray part of the financial impact resulting from the de-stocking of all sheep and goats in order to maintain WA’s area free from this disease. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property. · The applicant must as at 1 January 2001, have been issued with an order under Regulation 18 of the Enzootic Disease Regulations 1970 requiring de-stocking of all sheep and goats from the property. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $135,000 (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii)Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 1 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to increase participation by Participants in learning activities which will enhance the profitability, competitiveness and sustainability of their farm business enterprises; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefits of continuous learning and skills development and their relevance to the changing management needs of a competitive farm sector; and · to enhance the capacity of Participants to identify and access appropriate learning activities and influence more flexible delivery of those activities. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 50% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closed for new applications on 30 June 2001. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $678,835 (ii) 2002-03 $nil. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Provided only to farmers in the declared areas. · Business must have long-term profitability and sustainability, have suffered a production decline and suffered reduced equity. · Subsidy calculated on interest payable and associated costs of farm borrowings. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $7,839,416 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $6,000,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $3,160,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Gascoyne Murchison Strategy Rural Partnership Program (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to facilitate the sustainability, profitability and productivity of farm business enterprises and farm business groups in the Gascoyne-Murchison region of Western Australia. This will be achieved through the implementation of a number of measures as detailed in the Commonwealth State Agreement. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is set out in the Policy Guidelines for each type of measure. · Implementation of Business Plans: grants provided to farm business enterprises undertaking productivity enhancement measures in accordance with business plans. Grants also provided to farm business enterprises for on-farm works and activities to achieve property build up, to enable property amalgamation, property improvement, enterprise diversification and other productivity enhancing initiatives. · Identification and Development of Regionally Based Alternative Enterprises: financial support to assist in meeting the costs associated with initial planning and feasibility of alternative enterprises relevant to the Gascoyne Murchison region, grants to assist the implementation of alternative enterprises relevant to the Gascoyne Murchison region and support for enterprise adjustment through diversifying leases. · Voluntary Lease Adjustment: facilitation of the development of options for the restructuring of leases and broker the restructure and sale of leases and where appropriate provide funds to facilitate restructuring of leases and provision of funding to assist producers experiencing long-term business difficulties in assessing opportunities for structural and enterprise adjustment. · The scheme closes for new applications on 28 August 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in: (i) 2001-02 $966,907 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,648,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,772,000 (Includes $1.508m RBDC & $0.264m DAWA) (a) Name of Financial Assistance South Coast Regional Strategy (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to facilitate improved sustainability and profitability of enterprises in the South Coast region of Western Australia. This will be achieved by provision of grants to eligible farm business enterprises undertaking productivity enhancement in accordance with business plans including but not limited to activities such as: · on and off farm works and activities to achieve property improvement, enterprise diversification, property build up, and other productivity enhancing initiatives. · financial support to assist in meeting the costs associated with the provision of appropriate professional advice regarding the feasibility and development of alternative enterprises relevant to the South Coast region. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property within the defined region. · The applicant must prepare a Business Plan that identifies both long term profitability and sustainability of farm business enterprise. · Grants, up to $10,000 are provided to implement agreed activities within the business plan. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,462,622 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $30,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Resource Adjustment Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to: · assist landholders engaged in rural industry who have been adversely affected by a government objection to the clearing of remnant vegetation on their property · to establish ownership and management of that remnant vegetation in a manner which will maintain its condition in the long term for the benefit of rural industry and the wider community. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Those landholders in Western Australia who submitted a Notice of Intention to Clear Land between 17 May 1995 and the starting date of the Memorandum of Understanding for the Protection of Remnant Vegetation in the Agricultural region of Western Australia, and had an objection placed against their clearing by the Commissioner for Soil and Land Conservation; · The landholder(s) must register for the scheme prior to 1 January 1998; · The land must be zoned Rural; · If necessary, it must be practical to subdivide the remnant vegetation area into a separate location, in a manner supported by the WA Planning Commission and the appropriate local government authority; · The vegetation under consideration must be contiguous · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $16,888 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $150,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Progress Rural Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to invest and support agricultural industry projects and activities that will produce identifiable state, rural industry or regional benefits. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant can be a “farm business enterprise” or a “farmer group” or a “group of farmers” based in Western Australia, · Projects must demonstrate identifiable state wide, rural industry or regional benefits. · Application to be based on a suitable submission or business plan and proposal that clearly identifies how funding will assist the achievement of objectives of the applicant and the scheme. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $486,443 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $5,459 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Ovine Johne’s Disease De-Stocking Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to assist eligible property owners to defray part of the financial impact resulting from the de-stocking of all sheep and goats in order to maintain WA’s area free from this disease. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property. · The applicant must as at 1 January 2001, have been issued with an order under Regulation 18 of the Enzootic Disease Regulations 1970 requiring de-stocking of all sheep and goats from the property. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $135,000 (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii)Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 1 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to increase participation by Participants in learning activities which will enhance the profitability, competitiveness and sustainability of their farm business enterprises; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefits of continuous learning and skills development and their relevance to the changing management needs of a competitive farm sector; and · to enhance the capacity of Participants to identify and access appropriate learning activities and influence more flexible delivery of those activities. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 50% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closed for new applications on 30 June 2001. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $678,835 (ii) 2002-03 $nil. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Provided only to farmers in the declared areas. · Business must have long-term profitability and sustainability, have suffered a production decline and suffered reduced equity. · Subsidy calculated on interest payable and associated costs of farm borrowings. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $7,839,416 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $6,000,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $3,160,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Gascoyne Murchison Strategy Rural Partnership Program (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to facilitate the sustainability, profitability and productivity of farm business enterprises and farm business groups in the Gascoyne-Murchison region of Western Australia. This will be achieved through the implementation of a number of measures as detailed in the Commonwealth State Agreement. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is set out in the Policy Guidelines for each type of measure. · Implementation of Business Plans: grants provided to farm business enterprises undertaking productivity enhancement measures in accordance with business plans. Grants also provided to farm business enterprises for on-farm works and activities to achieve property build up, to enable property amalgamation, property improvement, enterprise diversification and other productivity enhancing initiatives. · Identification and Development of Regionally Based Alternative Enterprises: financial support to assist in meeting the costs associated with initial planning and feasibility of alternative enterprises relevant to the Gascoyne Murchison region, grants to assist the implementation of alternative enterprises relevant to the Gascoyne Murchison region and support for enterprise adjustment through diversifying leases. · Voluntary Lease Adjustment: facilitation of the development of options for the restructuring of leases and broker the restructure and sale of leases and where appropriate provide funds to facilitate restructuring of leases and provision of funding to assist producers experiencing long-term business difficulties in assessing opportunities for structural and enterprise adjustment. · The scheme closes for new applications on 28 August 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in: (i) 2001-02 $966,907 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,648,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,772,000 (Includes $1.508m RBDC & $0.264m DAWA) (a) Name of Financial Assistance South Coast Regional Strategy (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to facilitate improved sustainability and profitability of enterprises in the South Coast region of Western Australia. This will be achieved by provision of grants to eligible farm business enterprises undertaking productivity enhancement in accordance with business plans including but not limited to activities such as: · on and off farm works and activities to achieve property improvement, enterprise diversification, property build up, and other productivity enhancing initiatives. · financial support to assist in meeting the costs associated with the provision of appropriate professional advice regarding the feasibility and development of alternative enterprises relevant to the South Coast region. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property within the defined region. · The applicant must prepare a Business Plan that identifies both long term profitability and sustainability of farm business enterprise. · Grants, up to $10,000 are provided to implement agreed activities within the business plan. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,462,622 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $30,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Resource Adjustment Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to: · assist landholders engaged in rural industry who have been adversely affected by a government objection to the clearing of remnant vegetation on their property · to establish ownership and management of that remnant vegetation in a manner which will maintain its condition in the long term for the benefit of rural industry and the wider community. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Those landholders in Western Australia who submitted a Notice of Intention to Clear Land between 17 May 1995 and the starting date of the Memorandum of Understanding for the Protection of Remnant Vegetation in the Agricultural region of Western Australia, and had an objection placed against their clearing by the Commissioner for Soil and Land Conservation; · The landholder(s) must register for the scheme prior to 1 January 1998; · The land must be zoned Rural; · If necessary, it must be practical to subdivide the remnant vegetation area into a separate location, in a manner supported by the WA Planning Commission and the appropriate local government authority; · The vegetation under consideration must be contiguous · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $16,888 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $150,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Progress Rural Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to invest and support agricultural industry projects and activities that will produce identifiable state, rural industry or regional benefits. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant can be a “farm business enterprise” or a “farmer group” or a “group of farmers” based in Western Australia, · Projects must demonstrate identifiable state wide, rural industry or regional benefits. · Application to be based on a suitable submission or business plan and proposal that clearly identifies how funding will assist the achievement of objectives of the applicant and the scheme. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $486,443 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $5,459 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Ovine Johne’s Disease De-Stocking Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to assist eligible property owners to defray part of the financial impact resulting from the de-stocking of all sheep and goats in order to maintain WA’s area free from this disease. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property. · The applicant must as at 1 January 2001, have been issued with an order under Regulation 18 of the Enzootic Disease Regulations 1970 requiring de-stocking of all sheep and goats from the property. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $135,000 (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii)Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 1 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to increase participation by Participants in learning activities which will enhance the profitability, competitiveness and sustainability of their farm business enterprises; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefits of continuous learning and skills development and their relevance to the changing management needs of a competitive farm sector; and · to enhance the capacity of Participants to identify and access appropriate learning activities and influence more flexible delivery of those activities. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 50% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closed for new applications on 30 June 2001. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $678,835 (ii) 2002-03 $nil. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $7,839,416 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $6,000,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $3,160,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Gascoyne Murchison Strategy Rural Partnership Program (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to facilitate the sustainability, profitability and productivity of farm business enterprises and farm business groups in the Gascoyne-Murchison region of Western Australia. This will be achieved through the implementation of a number of measures as detailed in the Commonwealth State Agreement. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is set out in the Policy Guidelines for each type of measure. · Implementation of Business Plans: grants provided to farm business enterprises undertaking productivity enhancement measures in accordance with business plans. Grants also provided to farm business enterprises for on-farm works and activities to achieve property build up, to enable property amalgamation, property improvement, enterprise diversification and other productivity enhancing initiatives. · Identification and Development of Regionally Based Alternative Enterprises: financial support to assist in meeting the costs associated with initial planning and feasibility of alternative enterprises relevant to the Gascoyne Murchison region, grants to assist the implementation of alternative enterprises relevant to the Gascoyne Murchison region and support for enterprise adjustment through diversifying leases. · Voluntary Lease Adjustment: facilitation of the development of options for the restructuring of leases and broker the restructure and sale of leases and where appropriate provide funds to facilitate restructuring of leases and provision of funding to assist producers experiencing long-term business difficulties in assessing opportunities for structural and enterprise adjustment. · The scheme closes for new applications on 28 August 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in: (i) 2001-02 $966,907 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,648,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,772,000 (Includes $1.508m RBDC & $0.264m DAWA) (a) Name of Financial Assistance South Coast Regional Strategy (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to facilitate improved sustainability and profitability of enterprises in the South Coast region of Western Australia. This will be achieved by provision of grants to eligible farm business enterprises undertaking productivity enhancement in accordance with business plans including but not limited to activities such as: · on and off farm works and activities to achieve property improvement, enterprise diversification, property build up, and other productivity enhancing initiatives. · financial support to assist in meeting the costs associated with the provision of appropriate professional advice regarding the feasibility and development of alternative enterprises relevant to the South Coast region. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property within the defined region. · The applicant must prepare a Business Plan that identifies both long term profitability and sustainability of farm business enterprise. · Grants, up to $10,000 are provided to implement agreed activities within the business plan. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,462,622 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $30,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Resource Adjustment Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to: · assist landholders engaged in rural industry who have been adversely affected by a government objection to the clearing of remnant vegetation on their property · to establish ownership and management of that remnant vegetation in a manner which will maintain its condition in the long term for the benefit of rural industry and the wider community. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Those landholders in Western Australia who submitted a Notice of Intention to Clear Land between 17 May 1995 and the starting date of the Memorandum of Understanding for the Protection of Remnant Vegetation in the Agricultural region of Western Australia, and had an objection placed against their clearing by the Commissioner for Soil and Land Conservation; · The landholder(s) must register for the scheme prior to 1 January 1998; · The land must be zoned Rural; · If necessary, it must be practical to subdivide the remnant vegetation area into a separate location, in a manner supported by the WA Planning Commission and the appropriate local government authority; · The vegetation under consideration must be contiguous · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $16,888 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $150,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Progress Rural Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to invest and support agricultural industry projects and activities that will produce identifiable state, rural industry or regional benefits. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant can be a “farm business enterprise” or a “farmer group” or a “group of farmers” based in Western Australia, · Projects must demonstrate identifiable state wide, rural industry or regional benefits. · Application to be based on a suitable submission or business plan and proposal that clearly identifies how funding will assist the achievement of objectives of the applicant and the scheme. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $486,443 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $5,459 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Ovine Johne’s Disease De-Stocking Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to assist eligible property owners to defray part of the financial impact resulting from the de-stocking of all sheep and goats in order to maintain WA’s area free from this disease. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property. · The applicant must as at 1 January 2001, have been issued with an order under Regulation 18 of the Enzootic Disease Regulations 1970 requiring de-stocking of all sheep and goats from the property. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $135,000 (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii)Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 1 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to increase participation by Participants in learning activities which will enhance the profitability, competitiveness and sustainability of their farm business enterprises; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefits of continuous learning and skills development and their relevance to the changing management needs of a competitive farm sector; and · to enhance the capacity of Participants to identify and access appropriate learning activities and influence more flexible delivery of those activities. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 50% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closed for new applications on 30 June 2001. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $678,835 (ii) 2002-03 $nil. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(i) 2001-02 $7,839,416 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $6,000,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $3,160,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Gascoyne Murchison Strategy Rural Partnership Program (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to facilitate the sustainability, profitability and productivity of farm business enterprises and farm business groups in the Gascoyne-Murchison region of Western Australia. This will be achieved through the implementation of a number of measures as detailed in the Commonwealth State Agreement. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is set out in the Policy Guidelines for each type of measure. · Implementation of Business Plans: grants provided to farm business enterprises undertaking productivity enhancement measures in accordance with business plans. Grants also provided to farm business enterprises for on-farm works and activities to achieve property build up, to enable property amalgamation, property improvement, enterprise diversification and other productivity enhancing initiatives. · Identification and Development of Regionally Based Alternative Enterprises: financial support to assist in meeting the costs associated with initial planning and feasibility of alternative enterprises relevant to the Gascoyne Murchison region, grants to assist the implementation of alternative enterprises relevant to the Gascoyne Murchison region and support for enterprise adjustment through diversifying leases. · Voluntary Lease Adjustment: facilitation of the development of options for the restructuring of leases and broker the restructure and sale of leases and where appropriate provide funds to facilitate restructuring of leases and provision of funding to assist producers experiencing long-term business difficulties in assessing opportunities for structural and enterprise adjustment. · The scheme closes for new applications on 28 August 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in: (i) 2001-02 $966,907 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,648,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,772,000 (Includes $1.508m RBDC & $0.264m DAWA) (a) Name of Financial Assistance South Coast Regional Strategy (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to facilitate improved sustainability and profitability of enterprises in the South Coast region of Western Australia. This will be achieved by provision of grants to eligible farm business enterprises undertaking productivity enhancement in accordance with business plans including but not limited to activities such as: · on and off farm works and activities to achieve property improvement, enterprise diversification, property build up, and other productivity enhancing initiatives. · financial support to assist in meeting the costs associated with the provision of appropriate professional advice regarding the feasibility and development of alternative enterprises relevant to the South Coast region. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property within the defined region. · The applicant must prepare a Business Plan that identifies both long term profitability and sustainability of farm business enterprise. · Grants, up to $10,000 are provided to implement agreed activities within the business plan. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,462,622 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $30,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Resource Adjustment Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to: · assist landholders engaged in rural industry who have been adversely affected by a government objection to the clearing of remnant vegetation on their property · to establish ownership and management of that remnant vegetation in a manner which will maintain its condition in the long term for the benefit of rural industry and the wider community. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Those landholders in Western Australia who submitted a Notice of Intention to Clear Land between 17 May 1995 and the starting date of the Memorandum of Understanding for the Protection of Remnant Vegetation in the Agricultural region of Western Australia, and had an objection placed against their clearing by the Commissioner for Soil and Land Conservation; · The landholder(s) must register for the scheme prior to 1 January 1998; · The land must be zoned Rural; · If necessary, it must be practical to subdivide the remnant vegetation area into a separate location, in a manner supported by the WA Planning Commission and the appropriate local government authority; · The vegetation under consideration must be contiguous · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $16,888 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $150,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Progress Rural Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to invest and support agricultural industry projects and activities that will produce identifiable state, rural industry or regional benefits. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant can be a “farm business enterprise” or a “farmer group” or a “group of farmers” based in Western Australia, · Projects must demonstrate identifiable state wide, rural industry or regional benefits. · Application to be based on a suitable submission or business plan and proposal that clearly identifies how funding will assist the achievement of objectives of the applicant and the scheme. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $486,443 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $5,459 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Ovine Johne’s Disease De-Stocking Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to assist eligible property owners to defray part of the financial impact resulting from the de-stocking of all sheep and goats in order to maintain WA’s area free from this disease. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property. · The applicant must as at 1 January 2001, have been issued with an order under Regulation 18 of the Enzootic Disease Regulations 1970 requiring de-stocking of all sheep and goats from the property. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $135,000 (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii)Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 1 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to increase participation by Participants in learning activities which will enhance the profitability, competitiveness and sustainability of their farm business enterprises; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefits of continuous learning and skills development and their relevance to the changing management needs of a competitive farm sector; and · to enhance the capacity of Participants to identify and access appropriate learning activities and influence more flexible delivery of those activities. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 50% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closed for new applications on 30 June 2001. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $678,835 (ii) 2002-03 $nil. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(a) Name of Financial Assistance Gascoyne Murchison Strategy Rural Partnership Program (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to facilitate the sustainability, profitability and productivity of farm business enterprises and farm business groups in the Gascoyne-Murchison region of Western Australia. This will be achieved through the implementation of a number of measures as detailed in the Commonwealth State Agreement. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is set out in the Policy Guidelines for each type of measure. · Implementation of Business Plans: grants provided to farm business enterprises undertaking productivity enhancement measures in accordance with business plans. Grants also provided to farm business enterprises for on-farm works and activities to achieve property build up, to enable property amalgamation, property improvement, enterprise diversification and other productivity enhancing initiatives. · Identification and Development of Regionally Based Alternative Enterprises: financial support to assist in meeting the costs associated with initial planning and feasibility of alternative enterprises relevant to the Gascoyne Murchison region, grants to assist the implementation of alternative enterprises relevant to the Gascoyne Murchison region and support for enterprise adjustment through diversifying leases. · Voluntary Lease Adjustment: facilitation of the development of options for the restructuring of leases and broker the restructure and sale of leases and where appropriate provide funds to facilitate restructuring of leases and provision of funding to assist producers experiencing long-term business difficulties in assessing opportunities for structural and enterprise adjustment. · The scheme closes for new applications on 28 August 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in: (i) 2001-02 $966,907 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,648,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,772,000 (Includes $1.508m RBDC & $0.264m DAWA) (a) Name of Financial Assistance South Coast Regional Strategy (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to facilitate improved sustainability and profitability of enterprises in the South Coast region of Western Australia. This will be achieved by provision of grants to eligible farm business enterprises undertaking productivity enhancement in accordance with business plans including but not limited to activities such as: · on and off farm works and activities to achieve property improvement, enterprise diversification, property build up, and other productivity enhancing initiatives. · financial support to assist in meeting the costs associated with the provision of appropriate professional advice regarding the feasibility and development of alternative enterprises relevant to the South Coast region. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property within the defined region. · The applicant must prepare a Business Plan that identifies both long term profitability and sustainability of farm business enterprise. · Grants, up to $10,000 are provided to implement agreed activities within the business plan. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,462,622 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $30,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Resource Adjustment Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to: · assist landholders engaged in rural industry who have been adversely affected by a government objection to the clearing of remnant vegetation on their property · to establish ownership and management of that remnant vegetation in a manner which will maintain its condition in the long term for the benefit of rural industry and the wider community. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Those landholders in Western Australia who submitted a Notice of Intention to Clear Land between 17 May 1995 and the starting date of the Memorandum of Understanding for the Protection of Remnant Vegetation in the Agricultural region of Western Australia, and had an objection placed against their clearing by the Commissioner for Soil and Land Conservation; · The landholder(s) must register for the scheme prior to 1 January 1998; · The land must be zoned Rural; · If necessary, it must be practical to subdivide the remnant vegetation area into a separate location, in a manner supported by the WA Planning Commission and the appropriate local government authority; · The vegetation under consideration must be contiguous · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $16,888 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $150,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Progress Rural Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to invest and support agricultural industry projects and activities that will produce identifiable state, rural industry or regional benefits. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant can be a “farm business enterprise” or a “farmer group” or a “group of farmers” based in Western Australia, · Projects must demonstrate identifiable state wide, rural industry or regional benefits. · Application to be based on a suitable submission or business plan and proposal that clearly identifies how funding will assist the achievement of objectives of the applicant and the scheme. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $486,443 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $5,459 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Ovine Johne’s Disease De-Stocking Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to assist eligible property owners to defray part of the financial impact resulting from the de-stocking of all sheep and goats in order to maintain WA’s area free from this disease. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property. · The applicant must as at 1 January 2001, have been issued with an order under Regulation 18 of the Enzootic Disease Regulations 1970 requiring de-stocking of all sheep and goats from the property. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $135,000 (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii)Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 1 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to increase participation by Participants in learning activities which will enhance the profitability, competitiveness and sustainability of their farm business enterprises; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefits of continuous learning and skills development and their relevance to the changing management needs of a competitive farm sector; and · to enhance the capacity of Participants to identify and access appropriate learning activities and influence more flexible delivery of those activities. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 50% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closed for new applications on 30 June 2001. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $678,835 (ii) 2002-03 $nil. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
Gascoyne Murchison Strategy Rural Partnership Program (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to facilitate the sustainability, profitability and productivity of farm business enterprises and farm business groups in the Gascoyne-Murchison region of Western Australia. This will be achieved through the implementation of a number of measures as detailed in the Commonwealth State Agreement. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is set out in the Policy Guidelines for each type of measure. · Implementation of Business Plans: grants provided to farm business enterprises undertaking productivity enhancement measures in accordance with business plans. Grants also provided to farm business enterprises for on-farm works and activities to achieve property build up, to enable property amalgamation, property improvement, enterprise diversification and other productivity enhancing initiatives. · Identification and Development of Regionally Based Alternative Enterprises: financial support to assist in meeting the costs associated with initial planning and feasibility of alternative enterprises relevant to the Gascoyne Murchison region, grants to assist the implementation of alternative enterprises relevant to the Gascoyne Murchison region and support for enterprise adjustment through diversifying leases. · Voluntary Lease Adjustment: facilitation of the development of options for the restructuring of leases and broker the restructure and sale of leases and where appropriate provide funds to facilitate restructuring of leases and provision of funding to assist producers experiencing long-term business difficulties in assessing opportunities for structural and enterprise adjustment. · The scheme closes for new applications on 28 August 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in: (i) 2001-02 $966,907 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,648,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,772,000 (Includes $1.508m RBDC & $0.264m DAWA) (a) Name of Financial Assistance South Coast Regional Strategy (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to facilitate improved sustainability and profitability of enterprises in the South Coast region of Western Australia. This will be achieved by provision of grants to eligible farm business enterprises undertaking productivity enhancement in accordance with business plans including but not limited to activities such as: · on and off farm works and activities to achieve property improvement, enterprise diversification, property build up, and other productivity enhancing initiatives. · financial support to assist in meeting the costs associated with the provision of appropriate professional advice regarding the feasibility and development of alternative enterprises relevant to the South Coast region. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property within the defined region. · The applicant must prepare a Business Plan that identifies both long term profitability and sustainability of farm business enterprise. · Grants, up to $10,000 are provided to implement agreed activities within the business plan. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,462,622 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $30,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Resource Adjustment Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to: · assist landholders engaged in rural industry who have been adversely affected by a government objection to the clearing of remnant vegetation on their property · to establish ownership and management of that remnant vegetation in a manner which will maintain its condition in the long term for the benefit of rural industry and the wider community. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Those landholders in Western Australia who submitted a Notice of Intention to Clear Land between 17 May 1995 and the starting date of the Memorandum of Understanding for the Protection of Remnant Vegetation in the Agricultural region of Western Australia, and had an objection placed against their clearing by the Commissioner for Soil and Land Conservation; · The landholder(s) must register for the scheme prior to 1 January 1998; · The land must be zoned Rural; · If necessary, it must be practical to subdivide the remnant vegetation area into a separate location, in a manner supported by the WA Planning Commission and the appropriate local government authority; · The vegetation under consideration must be contiguous · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $16,888 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $150,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Progress Rural Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to invest and support agricultural industry projects and activities that will produce identifiable state, rural industry or regional benefits. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant can be a “farm business enterprise” or a “farmer group” or a “group of farmers” based in Western Australia, · Projects must demonstrate identifiable state wide, rural industry or regional benefits. · Application to be based on a suitable submission or business plan and proposal that clearly identifies how funding will assist the achievement of objectives of the applicant and the scheme. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $486,443 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $5,459 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Ovine Johne’s Disease De-Stocking Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to assist eligible property owners to defray part of the financial impact resulting from the de-stocking of all sheep and goats in order to maintain WA’s area free from this disease. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property. · The applicant must as at 1 January 2001, have been issued with an order under Regulation 18 of the Enzootic Disease Regulations 1970 requiring de-stocking of all sheep and goats from the property. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $135,000 (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii)Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 1 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to increase participation by Participants in learning activities which will enhance the profitability, competitiveness and sustainability of their farm business enterprises; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefits of continuous learning and skills development and their relevance to the changing management needs of a competitive farm sector; and · to enhance the capacity of Participants to identify and access appropriate learning activities and influence more flexible delivery of those activities. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 50% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closed for new applications on 30 June 2001. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $678,835 (ii) 2002-03 $nil. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to facilitate the sustainability, profitability and productivity of farm business enterprises and farm business groups in the Gascoyne-Murchison region of Western Australia. This will be achieved through the implementation of a number of measures as detailed in the Commonwealth State Agreement. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is set out in the Policy Guidelines for each type of measure. · Implementation of Business Plans: grants provided to farm business enterprises undertaking productivity enhancement measures in accordance with business plans. Grants also provided to farm business enterprises for on-farm works and activities to achieve property build up, to enable property amalgamation, property improvement, enterprise diversification and other productivity enhancing initiatives. · Identification and Development of Regionally Based Alternative Enterprises: financial support to assist in meeting the costs associated with initial planning and feasibility of alternative enterprises relevant to the Gascoyne Murchison region, grants to assist the implementation of alternative enterprises relevant to the Gascoyne Murchison region and support for enterprise adjustment through diversifying leases. · Voluntary Lease Adjustment: facilitation of the development of options for the restructuring of leases and broker the restructure and sale of leases and where appropriate provide funds to facilitate restructuring of leases and provision of funding to assist producers experiencing long-term business difficulties in assessing opportunities for structural and enterprise adjustment. · The scheme closes for new applications on 28 August 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in: (i) 2001-02 $966,907 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,648,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,772,000 (Includes $1.508m RBDC & $0.264m DAWA) (a) Name of Financial Assistance South Coast Regional Strategy (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to facilitate improved sustainability and profitability of enterprises in the South Coast region of Western Australia. This will be achieved by provision of grants to eligible farm business enterprises undertaking productivity enhancement in accordance with business plans including but not limited to activities such as: · on and off farm works and activities to achieve property improvement, enterprise diversification, property build up, and other productivity enhancing initiatives. · financial support to assist in meeting the costs associated with the provision of appropriate professional advice regarding the feasibility and development of alternative enterprises relevant to the South Coast region. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property within the defined region. · The applicant must prepare a Business Plan that identifies both long term profitability and sustainability of farm business enterprise. · Grants, up to $10,000 are provided to implement agreed activities within the business plan. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,462,622 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $30,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Resource Adjustment Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to: · assist landholders engaged in rural industry who have been adversely affected by a government objection to the clearing of remnant vegetation on their property · to establish ownership and management of that remnant vegetation in a manner which will maintain its condition in the long term for the benefit of rural industry and the wider community. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Those landholders in Western Australia who submitted a Notice of Intention to Clear Land between 17 May 1995 and the starting date of the Memorandum of Understanding for the Protection of Remnant Vegetation in the Agricultural region of Western Australia, and had an objection placed against their clearing by the Commissioner for Soil and Land Conservation; · The landholder(s) must register for the scheme prior to 1 January 1998; · The land must be zoned Rural; · If necessary, it must be practical to subdivide the remnant vegetation area into a separate location, in a manner supported by the WA Planning Commission and the appropriate local government authority; · The vegetation under consideration must be contiguous · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $16,888 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $150,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Progress Rural Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to invest and support agricultural industry projects and activities that will produce identifiable state, rural industry or regional benefits. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant can be a “farm business enterprise” or a “farmer group” or a “group of farmers” based in Western Australia, · Projects must demonstrate identifiable state wide, rural industry or regional benefits. · Application to be based on a suitable submission or business plan and proposal that clearly identifies how funding will assist the achievement of objectives of the applicant and the scheme. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $486,443 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $5,459 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Ovine Johne’s Disease De-Stocking Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to assist eligible property owners to defray part of the financial impact resulting from the de-stocking of all sheep and goats in order to maintain WA’s area free from this disease. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property. · The applicant must as at 1 January 2001, have been issued with an order under Regulation 18 of the Enzootic Disease Regulations 1970 requiring de-stocking of all sheep and goats from the property. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $135,000 (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii)Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 1 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to increase participation by Participants in learning activities which will enhance the profitability, competitiveness and sustainability of their farm business enterprises; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefits of continuous learning and skills development and their relevance to the changing management needs of a competitive farm sector; and · to enhance the capacity of Participants to identify and access appropriate learning activities and influence more flexible delivery of those activities. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 50% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closed for new applications on 30 June 2001. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $678,835 (ii) 2002-03 $nil. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
The purpose of the scheme is to facilitate the sustainability, profitability and productivity of farm business enterprises and farm business groups in the Gascoyne-Murchison region of Western Australia. This will be achieved through the implementation of a number of measures as detailed in the Commonwealth State Agreement. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is set out in the Policy Guidelines for each type of measure. · Implementation of Business Plans: grants provided to farm business enterprises undertaking productivity enhancement measures in accordance with business plans. Grants also provided to farm business enterprises for on-farm works and activities to achieve property build up, to enable property amalgamation, property improvement, enterprise diversification and other productivity enhancing initiatives. · Identification and Development of Regionally Based Alternative Enterprises: financial support to assist in meeting the costs associated with initial planning and feasibility of alternative enterprises relevant to the Gascoyne Murchison region, grants to assist the implementation of alternative enterprises relevant to the Gascoyne Murchison region and support for enterprise adjustment through diversifying leases. · Voluntary Lease Adjustment: facilitation of the development of options for the restructuring of leases and broker the restructure and sale of leases and where appropriate provide funds to facilitate restructuring of leases and provision of funding to assist producers experiencing long-term business difficulties in assessing opportunities for structural and enterprise adjustment. · The scheme closes for new applications on 28 August 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in: (i) 2001-02 $966,907 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,648,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,772,000 (Includes $1.508m RBDC & $0.264m DAWA) (a) Name of Financial Assistance South Coast Regional Strategy (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to facilitate improved sustainability and profitability of enterprises in the South Coast region of Western Australia. This will be achieved by provision of grants to eligible farm business enterprises undertaking productivity enhancement in accordance with business plans including but not limited to activities such as: · on and off farm works and activities to achieve property improvement, enterprise diversification, property build up, and other productivity enhancing initiatives. · financial support to assist in meeting the costs associated with the provision of appropriate professional advice regarding the feasibility and development of alternative enterprises relevant to the South Coast region. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property within the defined region. · The applicant must prepare a Business Plan that identifies both long term profitability and sustainability of farm business enterprise. · Grants, up to $10,000 are provided to implement agreed activities within the business plan. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,462,622 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $30,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Resource Adjustment Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to: · assist landholders engaged in rural industry who have been adversely affected by a government objection to the clearing of remnant vegetation on their property · to establish ownership and management of that remnant vegetation in a manner which will maintain its condition in the long term for the benefit of rural industry and the wider community. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Those landholders in Western Australia who submitted a Notice of Intention to Clear Land between 17 May 1995 and the starting date of the Memorandum of Understanding for the Protection of Remnant Vegetation in the Agricultural region of Western Australia, and had an objection placed against their clearing by the Commissioner for Soil and Land Conservation; · The landholder(s) must register for the scheme prior to 1 January 1998; · The land must be zoned Rural; · If necessary, it must be practical to subdivide the remnant vegetation area into a separate location, in a manner supported by the WA Planning Commission and the appropriate local government authority; · The vegetation under consideration must be contiguous · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $16,888 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $150,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Progress Rural Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to invest and support agricultural industry projects and activities that will produce identifiable state, rural industry or regional benefits. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant can be a “farm business enterprise” or a “farmer group” or a “group of farmers” based in Western Australia, · Projects must demonstrate identifiable state wide, rural industry or regional benefits. · Application to be based on a suitable submission or business plan and proposal that clearly identifies how funding will assist the achievement of objectives of the applicant and the scheme. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $486,443 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $5,459 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Ovine Johne’s Disease De-Stocking Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to assist eligible property owners to defray part of the financial impact resulting from the de-stocking of all sheep and goats in order to maintain WA’s area free from this disease. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property. · The applicant must as at 1 January 2001, have been issued with an order under Regulation 18 of the Enzootic Disease Regulations 1970 requiring de-stocking of all sheep and goats from the property. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $135,000 (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii)Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 1 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to increase participation by Participants in learning activities which will enhance the profitability, competitiveness and sustainability of their farm business enterprises; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefits of continuous learning and skills development and their relevance to the changing management needs of a competitive farm sector; and · to enhance the capacity of Participants to identify and access appropriate learning activities and influence more flexible delivery of those activities. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 50% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closed for new applications on 30 June 2001. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $678,835 (ii) 2002-03 $nil. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is set out in the Policy Guidelines for each type of measure. · Implementation of Business Plans: grants provided to farm business enterprises undertaking productivity enhancement measures in accordance with business plans. Grants also provided to farm business enterprises for on-farm works and activities to achieve property build up, to enable property amalgamation, property improvement, enterprise diversification and other productivity enhancing initiatives. · Identification and Development of Regionally Based Alternative Enterprises: financial support to assist in meeting the costs associated with initial planning and feasibility of alternative enterprises relevant to the Gascoyne Murchison region, grants to assist the implementation of alternative enterprises relevant to the Gascoyne Murchison region and support for enterprise adjustment through diversifying leases. · Voluntary Lease Adjustment: facilitation of the development of options for the restructuring of leases and broker the restructure and sale of leases and where appropriate provide funds to facilitate restructuring of leases and provision of funding to assist producers experiencing long-term business difficulties in assessing opportunities for structural and enterprise adjustment. · The scheme closes for new applications on 28 August 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in: (i) 2001-02 $966,907 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,648,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,772,000 (Includes $1.508m RBDC & $0.264m DAWA) (a) Name of Financial Assistance South Coast Regional Strategy (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to facilitate improved sustainability and profitability of enterprises in the South Coast region of Western Australia. This will be achieved by provision of grants to eligible farm business enterprises undertaking productivity enhancement in accordance with business plans including but not limited to activities such as: · on and off farm works and activities to achieve property improvement, enterprise diversification, property build up, and other productivity enhancing initiatives. · financial support to assist in meeting the costs associated with the provision of appropriate professional advice regarding the feasibility and development of alternative enterprises relevant to the South Coast region. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property within the defined region. · The applicant must prepare a Business Plan that identifies both long term profitability and sustainability of farm business enterprise. · Grants, up to $10,000 are provided to implement agreed activities within the business plan. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,462,622 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $30,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Resource Adjustment Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to: · assist landholders engaged in rural industry who have been adversely affected by a government objection to the clearing of remnant vegetation on their property · to establish ownership and management of that remnant vegetation in a manner which will maintain its condition in the long term for the benefit of rural industry and the wider community. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Those landholders in Western Australia who submitted a Notice of Intention to Clear Land between 17 May 1995 and the starting date of the Memorandum of Understanding for the Protection of Remnant Vegetation in the Agricultural region of Western Australia, and had an objection placed against their clearing by the Commissioner for Soil and Land Conservation; · The landholder(s) must register for the scheme prior to 1 January 1998; · The land must be zoned Rural; · If necessary, it must be practical to subdivide the remnant vegetation area into a separate location, in a manner supported by the WA Planning Commission and the appropriate local government authority; · The vegetation under consideration must be contiguous · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $16,888 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $150,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Progress Rural Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to invest and support agricultural industry projects and activities that will produce identifiable state, rural industry or regional benefits. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant can be a “farm business enterprise” or a “farmer group” or a “group of farmers” based in Western Australia, · Projects must demonstrate identifiable state wide, rural industry or regional benefits. · Application to be based on a suitable submission or business plan and proposal that clearly identifies how funding will assist the achievement of objectives of the applicant and the scheme. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $486,443 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $5,459 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Ovine Johne’s Disease De-Stocking Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to assist eligible property owners to defray part of the financial impact resulting from the de-stocking of all sheep and goats in order to maintain WA’s area free from this disease. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property. · The applicant must as at 1 January 2001, have been issued with an order under Regulation 18 of the Enzootic Disease Regulations 1970 requiring de-stocking of all sheep and goats from the property. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $135,000 (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii)Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 1 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to increase participation by Participants in learning activities which will enhance the profitability, competitiveness and sustainability of their farm business enterprises; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefits of continuous learning and skills development and their relevance to the changing management needs of a competitive farm sector; and · to enhance the capacity of Participants to identify and access appropriate learning activities and influence more flexible delivery of those activities. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 50% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closed for new applications on 30 June 2001. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $678,835 (ii) 2002-03 $nil. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
The broad eligibility criteria for support is set out in the Policy Guidelines for each type of measure. · Implementation of Business Plans: grants provided to farm business enterprises undertaking productivity enhancement measures in accordance with business plans. Grants also provided to farm business enterprises for on-farm works and activities to achieve property build up, to enable property amalgamation, property improvement, enterprise diversification and other productivity enhancing initiatives. · Identification and Development of Regionally Based Alternative Enterprises: financial support to assist in meeting the costs associated with initial planning and feasibility of alternative enterprises relevant to the Gascoyne Murchison region, grants to assist the implementation of alternative enterprises relevant to the Gascoyne Murchison region and support for enterprise adjustment through diversifying leases. · Voluntary Lease Adjustment: facilitation of the development of options for the restructuring of leases and broker the restructure and sale of leases and where appropriate provide funds to facilitate restructuring of leases and provision of funding to assist producers experiencing long-term business difficulties in assessing opportunities for structural and enterprise adjustment. · The scheme closes for new applications on 28 August 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in: (i) 2001-02 $966,907 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,648,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,772,000 (Includes $1.508m RBDC & $0.264m DAWA) (a) Name of Financial Assistance South Coast Regional Strategy (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to facilitate improved sustainability and profitability of enterprises in the South Coast region of Western Australia. This will be achieved by provision of grants to eligible farm business enterprises undertaking productivity enhancement in accordance with business plans including but not limited to activities such as: · on and off farm works and activities to achieve property improvement, enterprise diversification, property build up, and other productivity enhancing initiatives. · financial support to assist in meeting the costs associated with the provision of appropriate professional advice regarding the feasibility and development of alternative enterprises relevant to the South Coast region. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property within the defined region. · The applicant must prepare a Business Plan that identifies both long term profitability and sustainability of farm business enterprise. · Grants, up to $10,000 are provided to implement agreed activities within the business plan. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,462,622 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $30,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Resource Adjustment Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to: · assist landholders engaged in rural industry who have been adversely affected by a government objection to the clearing of remnant vegetation on their property · to establish ownership and management of that remnant vegetation in a manner which will maintain its condition in the long term for the benefit of rural industry and the wider community. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Those landholders in Western Australia who submitted a Notice of Intention to Clear Land between 17 May 1995 and the starting date of the Memorandum of Understanding for the Protection of Remnant Vegetation in the Agricultural region of Western Australia, and had an objection placed against their clearing by the Commissioner for Soil and Land Conservation; · The landholder(s) must register for the scheme prior to 1 January 1998; · The land must be zoned Rural; · If necessary, it must be practical to subdivide the remnant vegetation area into a separate location, in a manner supported by the WA Planning Commission and the appropriate local government authority; · The vegetation under consideration must be contiguous · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $16,888 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $150,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Progress Rural Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to invest and support agricultural industry projects and activities that will produce identifiable state, rural industry or regional benefits. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant can be a “farm business enterprise” or a “farmer group” or a “group of farmers” based in Western Australia, · Projects must demonstrate identifiable state wide, rural industry or regional benefits. · Application to be based on a suitable submission or business plan and proposal that clearly identifies how funding will assist the achievement of objectives of the applicant and the scheme. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $486,443 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $5,459 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Ovine Johne’s Disease De-Stocking Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to assist eligible property owners to defray part of the financial impact resulting from the de-stocking of all sheep and goats in order to maintain WA’s area free from this disease. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property. · The applicant must as at 1 January 2001, have been issued with an order under Regulation 18 of the Enzootic Disease Regulations 1970 requiring de-stocking of all sheep and goats from the property. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $135,000 (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii)Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 1 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to increase participation by Participants in learning activities which will enhance the profitability, competitiveness and sustainability of their farm business enterprises; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefits of continuous learning and skills development and their relevance to the changing management needs of a competitive farm sector; and · to enhance the capacity of Participants to identify and access appropriate learning activities and influence more flexible delivery of those activities. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 50% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closed for new applications on 30 June 2001. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $678,835 (ii) 2002-03 $nil. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
· Implementation of Business Plans: grants provided to farm business enterprises undertaking productivity enhancement measures in accordance with business plans. Grants also provided to farm business enterprises for on-farm works and activities to achieve property build up, to enable property amalgamation, property improvement, enterprise diversification and other productivity enhancing initiatives. · Identification and Development of Regionally Based Alternative Enterprises: financial support to assist in meeting the costs associated with initial planning and feasibility of alternative enterprises relevant to the Gascoyne Murchison region, grants to assist the implementation of alternative enterprises relevant to the Gascoyne Murchison region and support for enterprise adjustment through diversifying leases. · Voluntary Lease Adjustment: facilitation of the development of options for the restructuring of leases and broker the restructure and sale of leases and where appropriate provide funds to facilitate restructuring of leases and provision of funding to assist producers experiencing long-term business difficulties in assessing opportunities for structural and enterprise adjustment. · The scheme closes for new applications on 28 August 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in: (i) 2001-02 $966,907 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,648,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,772,000 (Includes $1.508m RBDC & $0.264m DAWA) (a) Name of Financial Assistance South Coast Regional Strategy (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to facilitate improved sustainability and profitability of enterprises in the South Coast region of Western Australia. This will be achieved by provision of grants to eligible farm business enterprises undertaking productivity enhancement in accordance with business plans including but not limited to activities such as: · on and off farm works and activities to achieve property improvement, enterprise diversification, property build up, and other productivity enhancing initiatives. · financial support to assist in meeting the costs associated with the provision of appropriate professional advice regarding the feasibility and development of alternative enterprises relevant to the South Coast region. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property within the defined region. · The applicant must prepare a Business Plan that identifies both long term profitability and sustainability of farm business enterprise. · Grants, up to $10,000 are provided to implement agreed activities within the business plan. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,462,622 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $30,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Resource Adjustment Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to: · assist landholders engaged in rural industry who have been adversely affected by a government objection to the clearing of remnant vegetation on their property · to establish ownership and management of that remnant vegetation in a manner which will maintain its condition in the long term for the benefit of rural industry and the wider community. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Those landholders in Western Australia who submitted a Notice of Intention to Clear Land between 17 May 1995 and the starting date of the Memorandum of Understanding for the Protection of Remnant Vegetation in the Agricultural region of Western Australia, and had an objection placed against their clearing by the Commissioner for Soil and Land Conservation; · The landholder(s) must register for the scheme prior to 1 January 1998; · The land must be zoned Rural; · If necessary, it must be practical to subdivide the remnant vegetation area into a separate location, in a manner supported by the WA Planning Commission and the appropriate local government authority; · The vegetation under consideration must be contiguous · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $16,888 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $150,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Progress Rural Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to invest and support agricultural industry projects and activities that will produce identifiable state, rural industry or regional benefits. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant can be a “farm business enterprise” or a “farmer group” or a “group of farmers” based in Western Australia, · Projects must demonstrate identifiable state wide, rural industry or regional benefits. · Application to be based on a suitable submission or business plan and proposal that clearly identifies how funding will assist the achievement of objectives of the applicant and the scheme. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $486,443 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $5,459 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Ovine Johne’s Disease De-Stocking Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to assist eligible property owners to defray part of the financial impact resulting from the de-stocking of all sheep and goats in order to maintain WA’s area free from this disease. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property. · The applicant must as at 1 January 2001, have been issued with an order under Regulation 18 of the Enzootic Disease Regulations 1970 requiring de-stocking of all sheep and goats from the property. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $135,000 (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii)Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 1 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to increase participation by Participants in learning activities which will enhance the profitability, competitiveness and sustainability of their farm business enterprises; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefits of continuous learning and skills development and their relevance to the changing management needs of a competitive farm sector; and · to enhance the capacity of Participants to identify and access appropriate learning activities and influence more flexible delivery of those activities. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 50% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closed for new applications on 30 June 2001. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $678,835 (ii) 2002-03 $nil. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(d) Actual Expenditure in: (i) 2001-02 $966,907 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,648,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,772,000 (Includes $1.508m RBDC & $0.264m DAWA) (a) Name of Financial Assistance South Coast Regional Strategy (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to facilitate improved sustainability and profitability of enterprises in the South Coast region of Western Australia. This will be achieved by provision of grants to eligible farm business enterprises undertaking productivity enhancement in accordance with business plans including but not limited to activities such as: · on and off farm works and activities to achieve property improvement, enterprise diversification, property build up, and other productivity enhancing initiatives. · financial support to assist in meeting the costs associated with the provision of appropriate professional advice regarding the feasibility and development of alternative enterprises relevant to the South Coast region. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property within the defined region. · The applicant must prepare a Business Plan that identifies both long term profitability and sustainability of farm business enterprise. · Grants, up to $10,000 are provided to implement agreed activities within the business plan. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,462,622 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $30,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Resource Adjustment Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to: · assist landholders engaged in rural industry who have been adversely affected by a government objection to the clearing of remnant vegetation on their property · to establish ownership and management of that remnant vegetation in a manner which will maintain its condition in the long term for the benefit of rural industry and the wider community. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Those landholders in Western Australia who submitted a Notice of Intention to Clear Land between 17 May 1995 and the starting date of the Memorandum of Understanding for the Protection of Remnant Vegetation in the Agricultural region of Western Australia, and had an objection placed against their clearing by the Commissioner for Soil and Land Conservation; · The landholder(s) must register for the scheme prior to 1 January 1998; · The land must be zoned Rural; · If necessary, it must be practical to subdivide the remnant vegetation area into a separate location, in a manner supported by the WA Planning Commission and the appropriate local government authority; · The vegetation under consideration must be contiguous · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $16,888 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $150,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Progress Rural Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to invest and support agricultural industry projects and activities that will produce identifiable state, rural industry or regional benefits. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant can be a “farm business enterprise” or a “farmer group” or a “group of farmers” based in Western Australia, · Projects must demonstrate identifiable state wide, rural industry or regional benefits. · Application to be based on a suitable submission or business plan and proposal that clearly identifies how funding will assist the achievement of objectives of the applicant and the scheme. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $486,443 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $5,459 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Ovine Johne’s Disease De-Stocking Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to assist eligible property owners to defray part of the financial impact resulting from the de-stocking of all sheep and goats in order to maintain WA’s area free from this disease. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property. · The applicant must as at 1 January 2001, have been issued with an order under Regulation 18 of the Enzootic Disease Regulations 1970 requiring de-stocking of all sheep and goats from the property. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $135,000 (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii)Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 1 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to increase participation by Participants in learning activities which will enhance the profitability, competitiveness and sustainability of their farm business enterprises; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefits of continuous learning and skills development and their relevance to the changing management needs of a competitive farm sector; and · to enhance the capacity of Participants to identify and access appropriate learning activities and influence more flexible delivery of those activities. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 50% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closed for new applications on 30 June 2001. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $678,835 (ii) 2002-03 $nil. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(i) 2001-02 $966,907 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,648,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,772,000 (Includes $1.508m RBDC & $0.264m DAWA) (a) Name of Financial Assistance South Coast Regional Strategy (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to facilitate improved sustainability and profitability of enterprises in the South Coast region of Western Australia. This will be achieved by provision of grants to eligible farm business enterprises undertaking productivity enhancement in accordance with business plans including but not limited to activities such as: · on and off farm works and activities to achieve property improvement, enterprise diversification, property build up, and other productivity enhancing initiatives. · financial support to assist in meeting the costs associated with the provision of appropriate professional advice regarding the feasibility and development of alternative enterprises relevant to the South Coast region. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property within the defined region. · The applicant must prepare a Business Plan that identifies both long term profitability and sustainability of farm business enterprise. · Grants, up to $10,000 are provided to implement agreed activities within the business plan. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,462,622 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $30,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Resource Adjustment Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to: · assist landholders engaged in rural industry who have been adversely affected by a government objection to the clearing of remnant vegetation on their property · to establish ownership and management of that remnant vegetation in a manner which will maintain its condition in the long term for the benefit of rural industry and the wider community. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Those landholders in Western Australia who submitted a Notice of Intention to Clear Land between 17 May 1995 and the starting date of the Memorandum of Understanding for the Protection of Remnant Vegetation in the Agricultural region of Western Australia, and had an objection placed against their clearing by the Commissioner for Soil and Land Conservation; · The landholder(s) must register for the scheme prior to 1 January 1998; · The land must be zoned Rural; · If necessary, it must be practical to subdivide the remnant vegetation area into a separate location, in a manner supported by the WA Planning Commission and the appropriate local government authority; · The vegetation under consideration must be contiguous · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $16,888 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $150,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Progress Rural Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to invest and support agricultural industry projects and activities that will produce identifiable state, rural industry or regional benefits. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant can be a “farm business enterprise” or a “farmer group” or a “group of farmers” based in Western Australia, · Projects must demonstrate identifiable state wide, rural industry or regional benefits. · Application to be based on a suitable submission or business plan and proposal that clearly identifies how funding will assist the achievement of objectives of the applicant and the scheme. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $486,443 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $5,459 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Ovine Johne’s Disease De-Stocking Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to assist eligible property owners to defray part of the financial impact resulting from the de-stocking of all sheep and goats in order to maintain WA’s area free from this disease. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property. · The applicant must as at 1 January 2001, have been issued with an order under Regulation 18 of the Enzootic Disease Regulations 1970 requiring de-stocking of all sheep and goats from the property. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $135,000 (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii)Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 1 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to increase participation by Participants in learning activities which will enhance the profitability, competitiveness and sustainability of their farm business enterprises; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefits of continuous learning and skills development and their relevance to the changing management needs of a competitive farm sector; and · to enhance the capacity of Participants to identify and access appropriate learning activities and influence more flexible delivery of those activities. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 50% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closed for new applications on 30 June 2001. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $678,835 (ii) 2002-03 $nil. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(a) Name of Financial Assistance South Coast Regional Strategy (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to facilitate improved sustainability and profitability of enterprises in the South Coast region of Western Australia. This will be achieved by provision of grants to eligible farm business enterprises undertaking productivity enhancement in accordance with business plans including but not limited to activities such as: · on and off farm works and activities to achieve property improvement, enterprise diversification, property build up, and other productivity enhancing initiatives. · financial support to assist in meeting the costs associated with the provision of appropriate professional advice regarding the feasibility and development of alternative enterprises relevant to the South Coast region. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property within the defined region. · The applicant must prepare a Business Plan that identifies both long term profitability and sustainability of farm business enterprise. · Grants, up to $10,000 are provided to implement agreed activities within the business plan. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,462,622 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $30,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Resource Adjustment Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to: · assist landholders engaged in rural industry who have been adversely affected by a government objection to the clearing of remnant vegetation on their property · to establish ownership and management of that remnant vegetation in a manner which will maintain its condition in the long term for the benefit of rural industry and the wider community. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Those landholders in Western Australia who submitted a Notice of Intention to Clear Land between 17 May 1995 and the starting date of the Memorandum of Understanding for the Protection of Remnant Vegetation in the Agricultural region of Western Australia, and had an objection placed against their clearing by the Commissioner for Soil and Land Conservation; · The landholder(s) must register for the scheme prior to 1 January 1998; · The land must be zoned Rural; · If necessary, it must be practical to subdivide the remnant vegetation area into a separate location, in a manner supported by the WA Planning Commission and the appropriate local government authority; · The vegetation under consideration must be contiguous · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $16,888 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $150,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Progress Rural Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to invest and support agricultural industry projects and activities that will produce identifiable state, rural industry or regional benefits. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant can be a “farm business enterprise” or a “farmer group” or a “group of farmers” based in Western Australia, · Projects must demonstrate identifiable state wide, rural industry or regional benefits. · Application to be based on a suitable submission or business plan and proposal that clearly identifies how funding will assist the achievement of objectives of the applicant and the scheme. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $486,443 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $5,459 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Ovine Johne’s Disease De-Stocking Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to assist eligible property owners to defray part of the financial impact resulting from the de-stocking of all sheep and goats in order to maintain WA’s area free from this disease. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property. · The applicant must as at 1 January 2001, have been issued with an order under Regulation 18 of the Enzootic Disease Regulations 1970 requiring de-stocking of all sheep and goats from the property. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $135,000 (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii)Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 1 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to increase participation by Participants in learning activities which will enhance the profitability, competitiveness and sustainability of their farm business enterprises; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefits of continuous learning and skills development and their relevance to the changing management needs of a competitive farm sector; and · to enhance the capacity of Participants to identify and access appropriate learning activities and influence more flexible delivery of those activities. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 50% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closed for new applications on 30 June 2001. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $678,835 (ii) 2002-03 $nil. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
South Coast Regional Strategy (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to facilitate improved sustainability and profitability of enterprises in the South Coast region of Western Australia. This will be achieved by provision of grants to eligible farm business enterprises undertaking productivity enhancement in accordance with business plans including but not limited to activities such as: · on and off farm works and activities to achieve property improvement, enterprise diversification, property build up, and other productivity enhancing initiatives. · financial support to assist in meeting the costs associated with the provision of appropriate professional advice regarding the feasibility and development of alternative enterprises relevant to the South Coast region. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property within the defined region. · The applicant must prepare a Business Plan that identifies both long term profitability and sustainability of farm business enterprise. · Grants, up to $10,000 are provided to implement agreed activities within the business plan. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,462,622 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $30,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Resource Adjustment Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to: · assist landholders engaged in rural industry who have been adversely affected by a government objection to the clearing of remnant vegetation on their property · to establish ownership and management of that remnant vegetation in a manner which will maintain its condition in the long term for the benefit of rural industry and the wider community. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Those landholders in Western Australia who submitted a Notice of Intention to Clear Land between 17 May 1995 and the starting date of the Memorandum of Understanding for the Protection of Remnant Vegetation in the Agricultural region of Western Australia, and had an objection placed against their clearing by the Commissioner for Soil and Land Conservation; · The landholder(s) must register for the scheme prior to 1 January 1998; · The land must be zoned Rural; · If necessary, it must be practical to subdivide the remnant vegetation area into a separate location, in a manner supported by the WA Planning Commission and the appropriate local government authority; · The vegetation under consideration must be contiguous · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $16,888 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $150,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Progress Rural Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to invest and support agricultural industry projects and activities that will produce identifiable state, rural industry or regional benefits. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant can be a “farm business enterprise” or a “farmer group” or a “group of farmers” based in Western Australia, · Projects must demonstrate identifiable state wide, rural industry or regional benefits. · Application to be based on a suitable submission or business plan and proposal that clearly identifies how funding will assist the achievement of objectives of the applicant and the scheme. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $486,443 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $5,459 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Ovine Johne’s Disease De-Stocking Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to assist eligible property owners to defray part of the financial impact resulting from the de-stocking of all sheep and goats in order to maintain WA’s area free from this disease. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property. · The applicant must as at 1 January 2001, have been issued with an order under Regulation 18 of the Enzootic Disease Regulations 1970 requiring de-stocking of all sheep and goats from the property. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $135,000 (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii)Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 1 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to increase participation by Participants in learning activities which will enhance the profitability, competitiveness and sustainability of their farm business enterprises; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefits of continuous learning and skills development and their relevance to the changing management needs of a competitive farm sector; and · to enhance the capacity of Participants to identify and access appropriate learning activities and influence more flexible delivery of those activities. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 50% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closed for new applications on 30 June 2001. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $678,835 (ii) 2002-03 $nil. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to facilitate improved sustainability and profitability of enterprises in the South Coast region of Western Australia. This will be achieved by provision of grants to eligible farm business enterprises undertaking productivity enhancement in accordance with business plans including but not limited to activities such as: · on and off farm works and activities to achieve property improvement, enterprise diversification, property build up, and other productivity enhancing initiatives. · financial support to assist in meeting the costs associated with the provision of appropriate professional advice regarding the feasibility and development of alternative enterprises relevant to the South Coast region. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property within the defined region. · The applicant must prepare a Business Plan that identifies both long term profitability and sustainability of farm business enterprise. · Grants, up to $10,000 are provided to implement agreed activities within the business plan. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,462,622 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $30,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Resource Adjustment Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to: · assist landholders engaged in rural industry who have been adversely affected by a government objection to the clearing of remnant vegetation on their property · to establish ownership and management of that remnant vegetation in a manner which will maintain its condition in the long term for the benefit of rural industry and the wider community. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Those landholders in Western Australia who submitted a Notice of Intention to Clear Land between 17 May 1995 and the starting date of the Memorandum of Understanding for the Protection of Remnant Vegetation in the Agricultural region of Western Australia, and had an objection placed against their clearing by the Commissioner for Soil and Land Conservation; · The landholder(s) must register for the scheme prior to 1 January 1998; · The land must be zoned Rural; · If necessary, it must be practical to subdivide the remnant vegetation area into a separate location, in a manner supported by the WA Planning Commission and the appropriate local government authority; · The vegetation under consideration must be contiguous · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $16,888 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $150,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Progress Rural Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to invest and support agricultural industry projects and activities that will produce identifiable state, rural industry or regional benefits. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant can be a “farm business enterprise” or a “farmer group” or a “group of farmers” based in Western Australia, · Projects must demonstrate identifiable state wide, rural industry or regional benefits. · Application to be based on a suitable submission or business plan and proposal that clearly identifies how funding will assist the achievement of objectives of the applicant and the scheme. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $486,443 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $5,459 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Ovine Johne’s Disease De-Stocking Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to assist eligible property owners to defray part of the financial impact resulting from the de-stocking of all sheep and goats in order to maintain WA’s area free from this disease. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property. · The applicant must as at 1 January 2001, have been issued with an order under Regulation 18 of the Enzootic Disease Regulations 1970 requiring de-stocking of all sheep and goats from the property. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $135,000 (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii)Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 1 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to increase participation by Participants in learning activities which will enhance the profitability, competitiveness and sustainability of their farm business enterprises; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefits of continuous learning and skills development and their relevance to the changing management needs of a competitive farm sector; and · to enhance the capacity of Participants to identify and access appropriate learning activities and influence more flexible delivery of those activities. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 50% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closed for new applications on 30 June 2001. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $678,835 (ii) 2002-03 $nil. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
The purpose of the scheme is to facilitate improved sustainability and profitability of enterprises in the South Coast region of Western Australia. This will be achieved by provision of grants to eligible farm business enterprises undertaking productivity enhancement in accordance with business plans including but not limited to activities such as: · on and off farm works and activities to achieve property improvement, enterprise diversification, property build up, and other productivity enhancing initiatives. · financial support to assist in meeting the costs associated with the provision of appropriate professional advice regarding the feasibility and development of alternative enterprises relevant to the South Coast region. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property within the defined region. · The applicant must prepare a Business Plan that identifies both long term profitability and sustainability of farm business enterprise. · Grants, up to $10,000 are provided to implement agreed activities within the business plan. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,462,622 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $30,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Resource Adjustment Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to: · assist landholders engaged in rural industry who have been adversely affected by a government objection to the clearing of remnant vegetation on their property · to establish ownership and management of that remnant vegetation in a manner which will maintain its condition in the long term for the benefit of rural industry and the wider community. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Those landholders in Western Australia who submitted a Notice of Intention to Clear Land between 17 May 1995 and the starting date of the Memorandum of Understanding for the Protection of Remnant Vegetation in the Agricultural region of Western Australia, and had an objection placed against their clearing by the Commissioner for Soil and Land Conservation; · The landholder(s) must register for the scheme prior to 1 January 1998; · The land must be zoned Rural; · If necessary, it must be practical to subdivide the remnant vegetation area into a separate location, in a manner supported by the WA Planning Commission and the appropriate local government authority; · The vegetation under consideration must be contiguous · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $16,888 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $150,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Progress Rural Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to invest and support agricultural industry projects and activities that will produce identifiable state, rural industry or regional benefits. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant can be a “farm business enterprise” or a “farmer group” or a “group of farmers” based in Western Australia, · Projects must demonstrate identifiable state wide, rural industry or regional benefits. · Application to be based on a suitable submission or business plan and proposal that clearly identifies how funding will assist the achievement of objectives of the applicant and the scheme. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $486,443 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $5,459 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Ovine Johne’s Disease De-Stocking Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to assist eligible property owners to defray part of the financial impact resulting from the de-stocking of all sheep and goats in order to maintain WA’s area free from this disease. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property. · The applicant must as at 1 January 2001, have been issued with an order under Regulation 18 of the Enzootic Disease Regulations 1970 requiring de-stocking of all sheep and goats from the property. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $135,000 (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii)Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 1 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to increase participation by Participants in learning activities which will enhance the profitability, competitiveness and sustainability of their farm business enterprises; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefits of continuous learning and skills development and their relevance to the changing management needs of a competitive farm sector; and · to enhance the capacity of Participants to identify and access appropriate learning activities and influence more flexible delivery of those activities. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 50% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closed for new applications on 30 June 2001. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $678,835 (ii) 2002-03 $nil. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
· on and off farm works and activities to achieve property improvement, enterprise diversification, property build up, and other productivity enhancing initiatives. · financial support to assist in meeting the costs associated with the provision of appropriate professional advice regarding the feasibility and development of alternative enterprises relevant to the South Coast region. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property within the defined region. · The applicant must prepare a Business Plan that identifies both long term profitability and sustainability of farm business enterprise. · Grants, up to $10,000 are provided to implement agreed activities within the business plan. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,462,622 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $30,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Resource Adjustment Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to: · assist landholders engaged in rural industry who have been adversely affected by a government objection to the clearing of remnant vegetation on their property · to establish ownership and management of that remnant vegetation in a manner which will maintain its condition in the long term for the benefit of rural industry and the wider community. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Those landholders in Western Australia who submitted a Notice of Intention to Clear Land between 17 May 1995 and the starting date of the Memorandum of Understanding for the Protection of Remnant Vegetation in the Agricultural region of Western Australia, and had an objection placed against their clearing by the Commissioner for Soil and Land Conservation; · The landholder(s) must register for the scheme prior to 1 January 1998; · The land must be zoned Rural; · If necessary, it must be practical to subdivide the remnant vegetation area into a separate location, in a manner supported by the WA Planning Commission and the appropriate local government authority; · The vegetation under consideration must be contiguous · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $16,888 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $150,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Progress Rural Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to invest and support agricultural industry projects and activities that will produce identifiable state, rural industry or regional benefits. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant can be a “farm business enterprise” or a “farmer group” or a “group of farmers” based in Western Australia, · Projects must demonstrate identifiable state wide, rural industry or regional benefits. · Application to be based on a suitable submission or business plan and proposal that clearly identifies how funding will assist the achievement of objectives of the applicant and the scheme. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $486,443 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $5,459 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Ovine Johne’s Disease De-Stocking Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to assist eligible property owners to defray part of the financial impact resulting from the de-stocking of all sheep and goats in order to maintain WA’s area free from this disease. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property. · The applicant must as at 1 January 2001, have been issued with an order under Regulation 18 of the Enzootic Disease Regulations 1970 requiring de-stocking of all sheep and goats from the property. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $135,000 (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii)Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 1 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to increase participation by Participants in learning activities which will enhance the profitability, competitiveness and sustainability of their farm business enterprises; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefits of continuous learning and skills development and their relevance to the changing management needs of a competitive farm sector; and · to enhance the capacity of Participants to identify and access appropriate learning activities and influence more flexible delivery of those activities. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 50% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closed for new applications on 30 June 2001. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $678,835 (ii) 2002-03 $nil. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property within the defined region. · The applicant must prepare a Business Plan that identifies both long term profitability and sustainability of farm business enterprise. · Grants, up to $10,000 are provided to implement agreed activities within the business plan. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,462,622 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $30,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Resource Adjustment Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to: · assist landholders engaged in rural industry who have been adversely affected by a government objection to the clearing of remnant vegetation on their property · to establish ownership and management of that remnant vegetation in a manner which will maintain its condition in the long term for the benefit of rural industry and the wider community. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Those landholders in Western Australia who submitted a Notice of Intention to Clear Land between 17 May 1995 and the starting date of the Memorandum of Understanding for the Protection of Remnant Vegetation in the Agricultural region of Western Australia, and had an objection placed against their clearing by the Commissioner for Soil and Land Conservation; · The landholder(s) must register for the scheme prior to 1 January 1998; · The land must be zoned Rural; · If necessary, it must be practical to subdivide the remnant vegetation area into a separate location, in a manner supported by the WA Planning Commission and the appropriate local government authority; · The vegetation under consideration must be contiguous · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $16,888 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $150,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Progress Rural Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to invest and support agricultural industry projects and activities that will produce identifiable state, rural industry or regional benefits. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant can be a “farm business enterprise” or a “farmer group” or a “group of farmers” based in Western Australia, · Projects must demonstrate identifiable state wide, rural industry or regional benefits. · Application to be based on a suitable submission or business plan and proposal that clearly identifies how funding will assist the achievement of objectives of the applicant and the scheme. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $486,443 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $5,459 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Ovine Johne’s Disease De-Stocking Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to assist eligible property owners to defray part of the financial impact resulting from the de-stocking of all sheep and goats in order to maintain WA’s area free from this disease. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property. · The applicant must as at 1 January 2001, have been issued with an order under Regulation 18 of the Enzootic Disease Regulations 1970 requiring de-stocking of all sheep and goats from the property. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $135,000 (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii)Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 1 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to increase participation by Participants in learning activities which will enhance the profitability, competitiveness and sustainability of their farm business enterprises; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefits of continuous learning and skills development and their relevance to the changing management needs of a competitive farm sector; and · to enhance the capacity of Participants to identify and access appropriate learning activities and influence more flexible delivery of those activities. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 50% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closed for new applications on 30 June 2001. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $678,835 (ii) 2002-03 $nil. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property within the defined region. · The applicant must prepare a Business Plan that identifies both long term profitability and sustainability of farm business enterprise. · Grants, up to $10,000 are provided to implement agreed activities within the business plan. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,462,622 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $30,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Resource Adjustment Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to: · assist landholders engaged in rural industry who have been adversely affected by a government objection to the clearing of remnant vegetation on their property · to establish ownership and management of that remnant vegetation in a manner which will maintain its condition in the long term for the benefit of rural industry and the wider community. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Those landholders in Western Australia who submitted a Notice of Intention to Clear Land between 17 May 1995 and the starting date of the Memorandum of Understanding for the Protection of Remnant Vegetation in the Agricultural region of Western Australia, and had an objection placed against their clearing by the Commissioner for Soil and Land Conservation; · The landholder(s) must register for the scheme prior to 1 January 1998; · The land must be zoned Rural; · If necessary, it must be practical to subdivide the remnant vegetation area into a separate location, in a manner supported by the WA Planning Commission and the appropriate local government authority; · The vegetation under consideration must be contiguous · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $16,888 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $150,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Progress Rural Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to invest and support agricultural industry projects and activities that will produce identifiable state, rural industry or regional benefits. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant can be a “farm business enterprise” or a “farmer group” or a “group of farmers” based in Western Australia, · Projects must demonstrate identifiable state wide, rural industry or regional benefits. · Application to be based on a suitable submission or business plan and proposal that clearly identifies how funding will assist the achievement of objectives of the applicant and the scheme. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $486,443 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $5,459 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Ovine Johne’s Disease De-Stocking Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to assist eligible property owners to defray part of the financial impact resulting from the de-stocking of all sheep and goats in order to maintain WA’s area free from this disease. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property. · The applicant must as at 1 January 2001, have been issued with an order under Regulation 18 of the Enzootic Disease Regulations 1970 requiring de-stocking of all sheep and goats from the property. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $135,000 (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii)Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 1 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to increase participation by Participants in learning activities which will enhance the profitability, competitiveness and sustainability of their farm business enterprises; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefits of continuous learning and skills development and their relevance to the changing management needs of a competitive farm sector; and · to enhance the capacity of Participants to identify and access appropriate learning activities and influence more flexible delivery of those activities. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 50% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closed for new applications on 30 June 2001. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $678,835 (ii) 2002-03 $nil. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
· The applicant must own and operate a commercial property within the defined region. · The applicant must prepare a Business Plan that identifies both long term profitability and sustainability of farm business enterprise. · Grants, up to $10,000 are provided to implement agreed activities within the business plan. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,462,622 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $30,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Resource Adjustment Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to: · assist landholders engaged in rural industry who have been adversely affected by a government objection to the clearing of remnant vegetation on their property · to establish ownership and management of that remnant vegetation in a manner which will maintain its condition in the long term for the benefit of rural industry and the wider community. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Those landholders in Western Australia who submitted a Notice of Intention to Clear Land between 17 May 1995 and the starting date of the Memorandum of Understanding for the Protection of Remnant Vegetation in the Agricultural region of Western Australia, and had an objection placed against their clearing by the Commissioner for Soil and Land Conservation; · The landholder(s) must register for the scheme prior to 1 January 1998; · The land must be zoned Rural; · If necessary, it must be practical to subdivide the remnant vegetation area into a separate location, in a manner supported by the WA Planning Commission and the appropriate local government authority; · The vegetation under consideration must be contiguous · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $16,888 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $150,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Progress Rural Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to invest and support agricultural industry projects and activities that will produce identifiable state, rural industry or regional benefits. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant can be a “farm business enterprise” or a “farmer group” or a “group of farmers” based in Western Australia, · Projects must demonstrate identifiable state wide, rural industry or regional benefits. · Application to be based on a suitable submission or business plan and proposal that clearly identifies how funding will assist the achievement of objectives of the applicant and the scheme. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $486,443 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $5,459 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Ovine Johne’s Disease De-Stocking Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to assist eligible property owners to defray part of the financial impact resulting from the de-stocking of all sheep and goats in order to maintain WA’s area free from this disease. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property. · The applicant must as at 1 January 2001, have been issued with an order under Regulation 18 of the Enzootic Disease Regulations 1970 requiring de-stocking of all sheep and goats from the property. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $135,000 (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii)Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 1 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to increase participation by Participants in learning activities which will enhance the profitability, competitiveness and sustainability of their farm business enterprises; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefits of continuous learning and skills development and their relevance to the changing management needs of a competitive farm sector; and · to enhance the capacity of Participants to identify and access appropriate learning activities and influence more flexible delivery of those activities. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 50% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closed for new applications on 30 June 2001. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $678,835 (ii) 2002-03 $nil. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,462,622 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $30,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Resource Adjustment Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to: · assist landholders engaged in rural industry who have been adversely affected by a government objection to the clearing of remnant vegetation on their property · to establish ownership and management of that remnant vegetation in a manner which will maintain its condition in the long term for the benefit of rural industry and the wider community. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Those landholders in Western Australia who submitted a Notice of Intention to Clear Land between 17 May 1995 and the starting date of the Memorandum of Understanding for the Protection of Remnant Vegetation in the Agricultural region of Western Australia, and had an objection placed against their clearing by the Commissioner for Soil and Land Conservation; · The landholder(s) must register for the scheme prior to 1 January 1998; · The land must be zoned Rural; · If necessary, it must be practical to subdivide the remnant vegetation area into a separate location, in a manner supported by the WA Planning Commission and the appropriate local government authority; · The vegetation under consideration must be contiguous · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $16,888 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $150,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Progress Rural Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to invest and support agricultural industry projects and activities that will produce identifiable state, rural industry or regional benefits. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant can be a “farm business enterprise” or a “farmer group” or a “group of farmers” based in Western Australia, · Projects must demonstrate identifiable state wide, rural industry or regional benefits. · Application to be based on a suitable submission or business plan and proposal that clearly identifies how funding will assist the achievement of objectives of the applicant and the scheme. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $486,443 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $5,459 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Ovine Johne’s Disease De-Stocking Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to assist eligible property owners to defray part of the financial impact resulting from the de-stocking of all sheep and goats in order to maintain WA’s area free from this disease. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property. · The applicant must as at 1 January 2001, have been issued with an order under Regulation 18 of the Enzootic Disease Regulations 1970 requiring de-stocking of all sheep and goats from the property. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $135,000 (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii)Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 1 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to increase participation by Participants in learning activities which will enhance the profitability, competitiveness and sustainability of their farm business enterprises; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefits of continuous learning and skills development and their relevance to the changing management needs of a competitive farm sector; and · to enhance the capacity of Participants to identify and access appropriate learning activities and influence more flexible delivery of those activities. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 50% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closed for new applications on 30 June 2001. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $678,835 (ii) 2002-03 $nil. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(i) 2001-02 $1,462,622 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $30,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Resource Adjustment Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to: · assist landholders engaged in rural industry who have been adversely affected by a government objection to the clearing of remnant vegetation on their property · to establish ownership and management of that remnant vegetation in a manner which will maintain its condition in the long term for the benefit of rural industry and the wider community. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Those landholders in Western Australia who submitted a Notice of Intention to Clear Land between 17 May 1995 and the starting date of the Memorandum of Understanding for the Protection of Remnant Vegetation in the Agricultural region of Western Australia, and had an objection placed against their clearing by the Commissioner for Soil and Land Conservation; · The landholder(s) must register for the scheme prior to 1 January 1998; · The land must be zoned Rural; · If necessary, it must be practical to subdivide the remnant vegetation area into a separate location, in a manner supported by the WA Planning Commission and the appropriate local government authority; · The vegetation under consideration must be contiguous · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $16,888 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $150,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Progress Rural Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to invest and support agricultural industry projects and activities that will produce identifiable state, rural industry or regional benefits. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant can be a “farm business enterprise” or a “farmer group” or a “group of farmers” based in Western Australia, · Projects must demonstrate identifiable state wide, rural industry or regional benefits. · Application to be based on a suitable submission or business plan and proposal that clearly identifies how funding will assist the achievement of objectives of the applicant and the scheme. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $486,443 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $5,459 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Ovine Johne’s Disease De-Stocking Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to assist eligible property owners to defray part of the financial impact resulting from the de-stocking of all sheep and goats in order to maintain WA’s area free from this disease. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property. · The applicant must as at 1 January 2001, have been issued with an order under Regulation 18 of the Enzootic Disease Regulations 1970 requiring de-stocking of all sheep and goats from the property. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $135,000 (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii)Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 1 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to increase participation by Participants in learning activities which will enhance the profitability, competitiveness and sustainability of their farm business enterprises; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefits of continuous learning and skills development and their relevance to the changing management needs of a competitive farm sector; and · to enhance the capacity of Participants to identify and access appropriate learning activities and influence more flexible delivery of those activities. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 50% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closed for new applications on 30 June 2001. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $678,835 (ii) 2002-03 $nil. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Resource Adjustment Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to: · assist landholders engaged in rural industry who have been adversely affected by a government objection to the clearing of remnant vegetation on their property · to establish ownership and management of that remnant vegetation in a manner which will maintain its condition in the long term for the benefit of rural industry and the wider community. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Those landholders in Western Australia who submitted a Notice of Intention to Clear Land between 17 May 1995 and the starting date of the Memorandum of Understanding for the Protection of Remnant Vegetation in the Agricultural region of Western Australia, and had an objection placed against their clearing by the Commissioner for Soil and Land Conservation; · The landholder(s) must register for the scheme prior to 1 January 1998; · The land must be zoned Rural; · If necessary, it must be practical to subdivide the remnant vegetation area into a separate location, in a manner supported by the WA Planning Commission and the appropriate local government authority; · The vegetation under consideration must be contiguous · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $16,888 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $150,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Progress Rural Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to invest and support agricultural industry projects and activities that will produce identifiable state, rural industry or regional benefits. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant can be a “farm business enterprise” or a “farmer group” or a “group of farmers” based in Western Australia, · Projects must demonstrate identifiable state wide, rural industry or regional benefits. · Application to be based on a suitable submission or business plan and proposal that clearly identifies how funding will assist the achievement of objectives of the applicant and the scheme. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $486,443 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $5,459 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Ovine Johne’s Disease De-Stocking Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to assist eligible property owners to defray part of the financial impact resulting from the de-stocking of all sheep and goats in order to maintain WA’s area free from this disease. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property. · The applicant must as at 1 January 2001, have been issued with an order under Regulation 18 of the Enzootic Disease Regulations 1970 requiring de-stocking of all sheep and goats from the property. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $135,000 (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii)Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 1 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to increase participation by Participants in learning activities which will enhance the profitability, competitiveness and sustainability of their farm business enterprises; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefits of continuous learning and skills development and their relevance to the changing management needs of a competitive farm sector; and · to enhance the capacity of Participants to identify and access appropriate learning activities and influence more flexible delivery of those activities. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 50% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closed for new applications on 30 June 2001. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $678,835 (ii) 2002-03 $nil. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
Natural Resource Adjustment Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to: · assist landholders engaged in rural industry who have been adversely affected by a government objection to the clearing of remnant vegetation on their property · to establish ownership and management of that remnant vegetation in a manner which will maintain its condition in the long term for the benefit of rural industry and the wider community. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Those landholders in Western Australia who submitted a Notice of Intention to Clear Land between 17 May 1995 and the starting date of the Memorandum of Understanding for the Protection of Remnant Vegetation in the Agricultural region of Western Australia, and had an objection placed against their clearing by the Commissioner for Soil and Land Conservation; · The landholder(s) must register for the scheme prior to 1 January 1998; · The land must be zoned Rural; · If necessary, it must be practical to subdivide the remnant vegetation area into a separate location, in a manner supported by the WA Planning Commission and the appropriate local government authority; · The vegetation under consideration must be contiguous · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $16,888 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $150,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Progress Rural Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to invest and support agricultural industry projects and activities that will produce identifiable state, rural industry or regional benefits. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant can be a “farm business enterprise” or a “farmer group” or a “group of farmers” based in Western Australia, · Projects must demonstrate identifiable state wide, rural industry or regional benefits. · Application to be based on a suitable submission or business plan and proposal that clearly identifies how funding will assist the achievement of objectives of the applicant and the scheme. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $486,443 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $5,459 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Ovine Johne’s Disease De-Stocking Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to assist eligible property owners to defray part of the financial impact resulting from the de-stocking of all sheep and goats in order to maintain WA’s area free from this disease. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property. · The applicant must as at 1 January 2001, have been issued with an order under Regulation 18 of the Enzootic Disease Regulations 1970 requiring de-stocking of all sheep and goats from the property. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $135,000 (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii)Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 1 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to increase participation by Participants in learning activities which will enhance the profitability, competitiveness and sustainability of their farm business enterprises; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefits of continuous learning and skills development and their relevance to the changing management needs of a competitive farm sector; and · to enhance the capacity of Participants to identify and access appropriate learning activities and influence more flexible delivery of those activities. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 50% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closed for new applications on 30 June 2001. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $678,835 (ii) 2002-03 $nil. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to: · assist landholders engaged in rural industry who have been adversely affected by a government objection to the clearing of remnant vegetation on their property · to establish ownership and management of that remnant vegetation in a manner which will maintain its condition in the long term for the benefit of rural industry and the wider community. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Those landholders in Western Australia who submitted a Notice of Intention to Clear Land between 17 May 1995 and the starting date of the Memorandum of Understanding for the Protection of Remnant Vegetation in the Agricultural region of Western Australia, and had an objection placed against their clearing by the Commissioner for Soil and Land Conservation; · The landholder(s) must register for the scheme prior to 1 January 1998; · The land must be zoned Rural; · If necessary, it must be practical to subdivide the remnant vegetation area into a separate location, in a manner supported by the WA Planning Commission and the appropriate local government authority; · The vegetation under consideration must be contiguous · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $16,888 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $150,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Progress Rural Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to invest and support agricultural industry projects and activities that will produce identifiable state, rural industry or regional benefits. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant can be a “farm business enterprise” or a “farmer group” or a “group of farmers” based in Western Australia, · Projects must demonstrate identifiable state wide, rural industry or regional benefits. · Application to be based on a suitable submission or business plan and proposal that clearly identifies how funding will assist the achievement of objectives of the applicant and the scheme. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $486,443 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $5,459 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Ovine Johne’s Disease De-Stocking Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to assist eligible property owners to defray part of the financial impact resulting from the de-stocking of all sheep and goats in order to maintain WA’s area free from this disease. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property. · The applicant must as at 1 January 2001, have been issued with an order under Regulation 18 of the Enzootic Disease Regulations 1970 requiring de-stocking of all sheep and goats from the property. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $135,000 (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii)Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 1 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to increase participation by Participants in learning activities which will enhance the profitability, competitiveness and sustainability of their farm business enterprises; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefits of continuous learning and skills development and their relevance to the changing management needs of a competitive farm sector; and · to enhance the capacity of Participants to identify and access appropriate learning activities and influence more flexible delivery of those activities. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 50% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closed for new applications on 30 June 2001. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $678,835 (ii) 2002-03 $nil. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
The purpose of the scheme is to: · assist landholders engaged in rural industry who have been adversely affected by a government objection to the clearing of remnant vegetation on their property · to establish ownership and management of that remnant vegetation in a manner which will maintain its condition in the long term for the benefit of rural industry and the wider community. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Those landholders in Western Australia who submitted a Notice of Intention to Clear Land between 17 May 1995 and the starting date of the Memorandum of Understanding for the Protection of Remnant Vegetation in the Agricultural region of Western Australia, and had an objection placed against their clearing by the Commissioner for Soil and Land Conservation; · The landholder(s) must register for the scheme prior to 1 January 1998; · The land must be zoned Rural; · If necessary, it must be practical to subdivide the remnant vegetation area into a separate location, in a manner supported by the WA Planning Commission and the appropriate local government authority; · The vegetation under consideration must be contiguous · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $16,888 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $150,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Progress Rural Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to invest and support agricultural industry projects and activities that will produce identifiable state, rural industry or regional benefits. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant can be a “farm business enterprise” or a “farmer group” or a “group of farmers” based in Western Australia, · Projects must demonstrate identifiable state wide, rural industry or regional benefits. · Application to be based on a suitable submission or business plan and proposal that clearly identifies how funding will assist the achievement of objectives of the applicant and the scheme. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $486,443 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $5,459 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Ovine Johne’s Disease De-Stocking Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to assist eligible property owners to defray part of the financial impact resulting from the de-stocking of all sheep and goats in order to maintain WA’s area free from this disease. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property. · The applicant must as at 1 January 2001, have been issued with an order under Regulation 18 of the Enzootic Disease Regulations 1970 requiring de-stocking of all sheep and goats from the property. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $135,000 (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii)Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 1 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to increase participation by Participants in learning activities which will enhance the profitability, competitiveness and sustainability of their farm business enterprises; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefits of continuous learning and skills development and their relevance to the changing management needs of a competitive farm sector; and · to enhance the capacity of Participants to identify and access appropriate learning activities and influence more flexible delivery of those activities. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 50% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closed for new applications on 30 June 2001. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $678,835 (ii) 2002-03 $nil. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Those landholders in Western Australia who submitted a Notice of Intention to Clear Land between 17 May 1995 and the starting date of the Memorandum of Understanding for the Protection of Remnant Vegetation in the Agricultural region of Western Australia, and had an objection placed against their clearing by the Commissioner for Soil and Land Conservation; · The landholder(s) must register for the scheme prior to 1 January 1998; · The land must be zoned Rural; · If necessary, it must be practical to subdivide the remnant vegetation area into a separate location, in a manner supported by the WA Planning Commission and the appropriate local government authority; · The vegetation under consideration must be contiguous · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $16,888 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $150,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Progress Rural Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to invest and support agricultural industry projects and activities that will produce identifiable state, rural industry or regional benefits. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant can be a “farm business enterprise” or a “farmer group” or a “group of farmers” based in Western Australia, · Projects must demonstrate identifiable state wide, rural industry or regional benefits. · Application to be based on a suitable submission or business plan and proposal that clearly identifies how funding will assist the achievement of objectives of the applicant and the scheme. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $486,443 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $5,459 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Ovine Johne’s Disease De-Stocking Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to assist eligible property owners to defray part of the financial impact resulting from the de-stocking of all sheep and goats in order to maintain WA’s area free from this disease. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property. · The applicant must as at 1 January 2001, have been issued with an order under Regulation 18 of the Enzootic Disease Regulations 1970 requiring de-stocking of all sheep and goats from the property. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $135,000 (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii)Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 1 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to increase participation by Participants in learning activities which will enhance the profitability, competitiveness and sustainability of their farm business enterprises; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefits of continuous learning and skills development and their relevance to the changing management needs of a competitive farm sector; and · to enhance the capacity of Participants to identify and access appropriate learning activities and influence more flexible delivery of those activities. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 50% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closed for new applications on 30 June 2001. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $678,835 (ii) 2002-03 $nil. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Those landholders in Western Australia who submitted a Notice of Intention to Clear Land between 17 May 1995 and the starting date of the Memorandum of Understanding for the Protection of Remnant Vegetation in the Agricultural region of Western Australia, and had an objection placed against their clearing by the Commissioner for Soil and Land Conservation; · The landholder(s) must register for the scheme prior to 1 January 1998; · The land must be zoned Rural; · If necessary, it must be practical to subdivide the remnant vegetation area into a separate location, in a manner supported by the WA Planning Commission and the appropriate local government authority; · The vegetation under consideration must be contiguous · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $16,888 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $150,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Progress Rural Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to invest and support agricultural industry projects and activities that will produce identifiable state, rural industry or regional benefits. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant can be a “farm business enterprise” or a “farmer group” or a “group of farmers” based in Western Australia, · Projects must demonstrate identifiable state wide, rural industry or regional benefits. · Application to be based on a suitable submission or business plan and proposal that clearly identifies how funding will assist the achievement of objectives of the applicant and the scheme. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $486,443 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $5,459 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Ovine Johne’s Disease De-Stocking Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to assist eligible property owners to defray part of the financial impact resulting from the de-stocking of all sheep and goats in order to maintain WA’s area free from this disease. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property. · The applicant must as at 1 January 2001, have been issued with an order under Regulation 18 of the Enzootic Disease Regulations 1970 requiring de-stocking of all sheep and goats from the property. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $135,000 (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii)Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 1 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to increase participation by Participants in learning activities which will enhance the profitability, competitiveness and sustainability of their farm business enterprises; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefits of continuous learning and skills development and their relevance to the changing management needs of a competitive farm sector; and · to enhance the capacity of Participants to identify and access appropriate learning activities and influence more flexible delivery of those activities. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 50% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closed for new applications on 30 June 2001. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $678,835 (ii) 2002-03 $nil. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
· Those landholders in Western Australia who submitted a Notice of Intention to Clear Land between 17 May 1995 and the starting date of the Memorandum of Understanding for the Protection of Remnant Vegetation in the Agricultural region of Western Australia, and had an objection placed against their clearing by the Commissioner for Soil and Land Conservation; · The landholder(s) must register for the scheme prior to 1 January 1998; · The land must be zoned Rural; · If necessary, it must be practical to subdivide the remnant vegetation area into a separate location, in a manner supported by the WA Planning Commission and the appropriate local government authority; · The vegetation under consideration must be contiguous · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $16,888 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $150,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Progress Rural Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to invest and support agricultural industry projects and activities that will produce identifiable state, rural industry or regional benefits. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant can be a “farm business enterprise” or a “farmer group” or a “group of farmers” based in Western Australia, · Projects must demonstrate identifiable state wide, rural industry or regional benefits. · Application to be based on a suitable submission or business plan and proposal that clearly identifies how funding will assist the achievement of objectives of the applicant and the scheme. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $486,443 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $5,459 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Ovine Johne’s Disease De-Stocking Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to assist eligible property owners to defray part of the financial impact resulting from the de-stocking of all sheep and goats in order to maintain WA’s area free from this disease. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property. · The applicant must as at 1 January 2001, have been issued with an order under Regulation 18 of the Enzootic Disease Regulations 1970 requiring de-stocking of all sheep and goats from the property. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $135,000 (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii)Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 1 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to increase participation by Participants in learning activities which will enhance the profitability, competitiveness and sustainability of their farm business enterprises; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefits of continuous learning and skills development and their relevance to the changing management needs of a competitive farm sector; and · to enhance the capacity of Participants to identify and access appropriate learning activities and influence more flexible delivery of those activities. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 50% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closed for new applications on 30 June 2001. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $678,835 (ii) 2002-03 $nil. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $16,888 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $150,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Progress Rural Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to invest and support agricultural industry projects and activities that will produce identifiable state, rural industry or regional benefits. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant can be a “farm business enterprise” or a “farmer group” or a “group of farmers” based in Western Australia, · Projects must demonstrate identifiable state wide, rural industry or regional benefits. · Application to be based on a suitable submission or business plan and proposal that clearly identifies how funding will assist the achievement of objectives of the applicant and the scheme. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $486,443 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $5,459 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Ovine Johne’s Disease De-Stocking Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to assist eligible property owners to defray part of the financial impact resulting from the de-stocking of all sheep and goats in order to maintain WA’s area free from this disease. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property. · The applicant must as at 1 January 2001, have been issued with an order under Regulation 18 of the Enzootic Disease Regulations 1970 requiring de-stocking of all sheep and goats from the property. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $135,000 (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii)Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 1 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to increase participation by Participants in learning activities which will enhance the profitability, competitiveness and sustainability of their farm business enterprises; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefits of continuous learning and skills development and their relevance to the changing management needs of a competitive farm sector; and · to enhance the capacity of Participants to identify and access appropriate learning activities and influence more flexible delivery of those activities. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 50% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closed for new applications on 30 June 2001. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $678,835 (ii) 2002-03 $nil. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(i) 2001-02 $16,888 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $150,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Progress Rural Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to invest and support agricultural industry projects and activities that will produce identifiable state, rural industry or regional benefits. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant can be a “farm business enterprise” or a “farmer group” or a “group of farmers” based in Western Australia, · Projects must demonstrate identifiable state wide, rural industry or regional benefits. · Application to be based on a suitable submission or business plan and proposal that clearly identifies how funding will assist the achievement of objectives of the applicant and the scheme. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $486,443 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $5,459 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Ovine Johne’s Disease De-Stocking Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to assist eligible property owners to defray part of the financial impact resulting from the de-stocking of all sheep and goats in order to maintain WA’s area free from this disease. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property. · The applicant must as at 1 January 2001, have been issued with an order under Regulation 18 of the Enzootic Disease Regulations 1970 requiring de-stocking of all sheep and goats from the property. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $135,000 (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii)Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 1 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to increase participation by Participants in learning activities which will enhance the profitability, competitiveness and sustainability of their farm business enterprises; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefits of continuous learning and skills development and their relevance to the changing management needs of a competitive farm sector; and · to enhance the capacity of Participants to identify and access appropriate learning activities and influence more flexible delivery of those activities. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 50% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closed for new applications on 30 June 2001. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $678,835 (ii) 2002-03 $nil. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(a) Name of Financial Assistance Progress Rural Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to invest and support agricultural industry projects and activities that will produce identifiable state, rural industry or regional benefits. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant can be a “farm business enterprise” or a “farmer group” or a “group of farmers” based in Western Australia, · Projects must demonstrate identifiable state wide, rural industry or regional benefits. · Application to be based on a suitable submission or business plan and proposal that clearly identifies how funding will assist the achievement of objectives of the applicant and the scheme. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $486,443 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $5,459 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Ovine Johne’s Disease De-Stocking Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to assist eligible property owners to defray part of the financial impact resulting from the de-stocking of all sheep and goats in order to maintain WA’s area free from this disease. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property. · The applicant must as at 1 January 2001, have been issued with an order under Regulation 18 of the Enzootic Disease Regulations 1970 requiring de-stocking of all sheep and goats from the property. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $135,000 (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii)Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 1 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to increase participation by Participants in learning activities which will enhance the profitability, competitiveness and sustainability of their farm business enterprises; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefits of continuous learning and skills development and their relevance to the changing management needs of a competitive farm sector; and · to enhance the capacity of Participants to identify and access appropriate learning activities and influence more flexible delivery of those activities. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 50% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closed for new applications on 30 June 2001. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $678,835 (ii) 2002-03 $nil. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
Progress Rural Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to invest and support agricultural industry projects and activities that will produce identifiable state, rural industry or regional benefits. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant can be a “farm business enterprise” or a “farmer group” or a “group of farmers” based in Western Australia, · Projects must demonstrate identifiable state wide, rural industry or regional benefits. · Application to be based on a suitable submission or business plan and proposal that clearly identifies how funding will assist the achievement of objectives of the applicant and the scheme. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $486,443 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $5,459 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Ovine Johne’s Disease De-Stocking Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to assist eligible property owners to defray part of the financial impact resulting from the de-stocking of all sheep and goats in order to maintain WA’s area free from this disease. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property. · The applicant must as at 1 January 2001, have been issued with an order under Regulation 18 of the Enzootic Disease Regulations 1970 requiring de-stocking of all sheep and goats from the property. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $135,000 (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii)Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 1 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to increase participation by Participants in learning activities which will enhance the profitability, competitiveness and sustainability of their farm business enterprises; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefits of continuous learning and skills development and their relevance to the changing management needs of a competitive farm sector; and · to enhance the capacity of Participants to identify and access appropriate learning activities and influence more flexible delivery of those activities. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 50% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closed for new applications on 30 June 2001. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $678,835 (ii) 2002-03 $nil. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to invest and support agricultural industry projects and activities that will produce identifiable state, rural industry or regional benefits. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant can be a “farm business enterprise” or a “farmer group” or a “group of farmers” based in Western Australia, · Projects must demonstrate identifiable state wide, rural industry or regional benefits. · Application to be based on a suitable submission or business plan and proposal that clearly identifies how funding will assist the achievement of objectives of the applicant and the scheme. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $486,443 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $5,459 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Ovine Johne’s Disease De-Stocking Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to assist eligible property owners to defray part of the financial impact resulting from the de-stocking of all sheep and goats in order to maintain WA’s area free from this disease. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property. · The applicant must as at 1 January 2001, have been issued with an order under Regulation 18 of the Enzootic Disease Regulations 1970 requiring de-stocking of all sheep and goats from the property. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $135,000 (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii)Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 1 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to increase participation by Participants in learning activities which will enhance the profitability, competitiveness and sustainability of their farm business enterprises; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefits of continuous learning and skills development and their relevance to the changing management needs of a competitive farm sector; and · to enhance the capacity of Participants to identify and access appropriate learning activities and influence more flexible delivery of those activities. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 50% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closed for new applications on 30 June 2001. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $678,835 (ii) 2002-03 $nil. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
The purpose of the scheme is to invest and support agricultural industry projects and activities that will produce identifiable state, rural industry or regional benefits. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant can be a “farm business enterprise” or a “farmer group” or a “group of farmers” based in Western Australia, · Projects must demonstrate identifiable state wide, rural industry or regional benefits. · Application to be based on a suitable submission or business plan and proposal that clearly identifies how funding will assist the achievement of objectives of the applicant and the scheme. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $486,443 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $5,459 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Ovine Johne’s Disease De-Stocking Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to assist eligible property owners to defray part of the financial impact resulting from the de-stocking of all sheep and goats in order to maintain WA’s area free from this disease. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property. · The applicant must as at 1 January 2001, have been issued with an order under Regulation 18 of the Enzootic Disease Regulations 1970 requiring de-stocking of all sheep and goats from the property. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $135,000 (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii)Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 1 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to increase participation by Participants in learning activities which will enhance the profitability, competitiveness and sustainability of their farm business enterprises; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefits of continuous learning and skills development and their relevance to the changing management needs of a competitive farm sector; and · to enhance the capacity of Participants to identify and access appropriate learning activities and influence more flexible delivery of those activities. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 50% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closed for new applications on 30 June 2001. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $678,835 (ii) 2002-03 $nil. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant can be a “farm business enterprise” or a “farmer group” or a “group of farmers” based in Western Australia, · Projects must demonstrate identifiable state wide, rural industry or regional benefits. · Application to be based on a suitable submission or business plan and proposal that clearly identifies how funding will assist the achievement of objectives of the applicant and the scheme. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $486,443 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $5,459 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Ovine Johne’s Disease De-Stocking Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to assist eligible property owners to defray part of the financial impact resulting from the de-stocking of all sheep and goats in order to maintain WA’s area free from this disease. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property. · The applicant must as at 1 January 2001, have been issued with an order under Regulation 18 of the Enzootic Disease Regulations 1970 requiring de-stocking of all sheep and goats from the property. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $135,000 (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii)Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 1 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to increase participation by Participants in learning activities which will enhance the profitability, competitiveness and sustainability of their farm business enterprises; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefits of continuous learning and skills development and their relevance to the changing management needs of a competitive farm sector; and · to enhance the capacity of Participants to identify and access appropriate learning activities and influence more flexible delivery of those activities. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 50% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closed for new applications on 30 June 2001. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $678,835 (ii) 2002-03 $nil. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant can be a “farm business enterprise” or a “farmer group” or a “group of farmers” based in Western Australia, · Projects must demonstrate identifiable state wide, rural industry or regional benefits. · Application to be based on a suitable submission or business plan and proposal that clearly identifies how funding will assist the achievement of objectives of the applicant and the scheme. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $486,443 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $5,459 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Ovine Johne’s Disease De-Stocking Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to assist eligible property owners to defray part of the financial impact resulting from the de-stocking of all sheep and goats in order to maintain WA’s area free from this disease. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property. · The applicant must as at 1 January 2001, have been issued with an order under Regulation 18 of the Enzootic Disease Regulations 1970 requiring de-stocking of all sheep and goats from the property. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $135,000 (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii)Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 1 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to increase participation by Participants in learning activities which will enhance the profitability, competitiveness and sustainability of their farm business enterprises; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefits of continuous learning and skills development and their relevance to the changing management needs of a competitive farm sector; and · to enhance the capacity of Participants to identify and access appropriate learning activities and influence more flexible delivery of those activities. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 50% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closed for new applications on 30 June 2001. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $678,835 (ii) 2002-03 $nil. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
· Applicant can be a “farm business enterprise” or a “farmer group” or a “group of farmers” based in Western Australia, · Projects must demonstrate identifiable state wide, rural industry or regional benefits. · Application to be based on a suitable submission or business plan and proposal that clearly identifies how funding will assist the achievement of objectives of the applicant and the scheme. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $486,443 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $5,459 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Ovine Johne’s Disease De-Stocking Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to assist eligible property owners to defray part of the financial impact resulting from the de-stocking of all sheep and goats in order to maintain WA’s area free from this disease. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property. · The applicant must as at 1 January 2001, have been issued with an order under Regulation 18 of the Enzootic Disease Regulations 1970 requiring de-stocking of all sheep and goats from the property. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $135,000 (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii)Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 1 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to increase participation by Participants in learning activities which will enhance the profitability, competitiveness and sustainability of their farm business enterprises; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefits of continuous learning and skills development and their relevance to the changing management needs of a competitive farm sector; and · to enhance the capacity of Participants to identify and access appropriate learning activities and influence more flexible delivery of those activities. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 50% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closed for new applications on 30 June 2001. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $678,835 (ii) 2002-03 $nil. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $486,443 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $5,459 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Ovine Johne’s Disease De-Stocking Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to assist eligible property owners to defray part of the financial impact resulting from the de-stocking of all sheep and goats in order to maintain WA’s area free from this disease. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property. · The applicant must as at 1 January 2001, have been issued with an order under Regulation 18 of the Enzootic Disease Regulations 1970 requiring de-stocking of all sheep and goats from the property. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $135,000 (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii)Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 1 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to increase participation by Participants in learning activities which will enhance the profitability, competitiveness and sustainability of their farm business enterprises; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefits of continuous learning and skills development and their relevance to the changing management needs of a competitive farm sector; and · to enhance the capacity of Participants to identify and access appropriate learning activities and influence more flexible delivery of those activities. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 50% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closed for new applications on 30 June 2001. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $678,835 (ii) 2002-03 $nil. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(i) 2001-02 $486,443 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $5,459 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Ovine Johne’s Disease De-Stocking Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to assist eligible property owners to defray part of the financial impact resulting from the de-stocking of all sheep and goats in order to maintain WA’s area free from this disease. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property. · The applicant must as at 1 January 2001, have been issued with an order under Regulation 18 of the Enzootic Disease Regulations 1970 requiring de-stocking of all sheep and goats from the property. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $135,000 (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii)Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 1 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to increase participation by Participants in learning activities which will enhance the profitability, competitiveness and sustainability of their farm business enterprises; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefits of continuous learning and skills development and their relevance to the changing management needs of a competitive farm sector; and · to enhance the capacity of Participants to identify and access appropriate learning activities and influence more flexible delivery of those activities. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 50% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closed for new applications on 30 June 2001. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $678,835 (ii) 2002-03 $nil. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(a) Name of Financial Assistance Ovine Johne’s Disease De-Stocking Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to assist eligible property owners to defray part of the financial impact resulting from the de-stocking of all sheep and goats in order to maintain WA’s area free from this disease. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property. · The applicant must as at 1 January 2001, have been issued with an order under Regulation 18 of the Enzootic Disease Regulations 1970 requiring de-stocking of all sheep and goats from the property. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $135,000 (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii)Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 1 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to increase participation by Participants in learning activities which will enhance the profitability, competitiveness and sustainability of their farm business enterprises; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefits of continuous learning and skills development and their relevance to the changing management needs of a competitive farm sector; and · to enhance the capacity of Participants to identify and access appropriate learning activities and influence more flexible delivery of those activities. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 50% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closed for new applications on 30 June 2001. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $678,835 (ii) 2002-03 $nil. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
Ovine Johne’s Disease De-Stocking Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to assist eligible property owners to defray part of the financial impact resulting from the de-stocking of all sheep and goats in order to maintain WA’s area free from this disease. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property. · The applicant must as at 1 January 2001, have been issued with an order under Regulation 18 of the Enzootic Disease Regulations 1970 requiring de-stocking of all sheep and goats from the property. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $135,000 (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii)Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 1 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to increase participation by Participants in learning activities which will enhance the profitability, competitiveness and sustainability of their farm business enterprises; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefits of continuous learning and skills development and their relevance to the changing management needs of a competitive farm sector; and · to enhance the capacity of Participants to identify and access appropriate learning activities and influence more flexible delivery of those activities. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 50% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closed for new applications on 30 June 2001. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $678,835 (ii) 2002-03 $nil. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to assist eligible property owners to defray part of the financial impact resulting from the de-stocking of all sheep and goats in order to maintain WA’s area free from this disease. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property. · The applicant must as at 1 January 2001, have been issued with an order under Regulation 18 of the Enzootic Disease Regulations 1970 requiring de-stocking of all sheep and goats from the property. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $135,000 (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii)Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 1 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to increase participation by Participants in learning activities which will enhance the profitability, competitiveness and sustainability of their farm business enterprises; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefits of continuous learning and skills development and their relevance to the changing management needs of a competitive farm sector; and · to enhance the capacity of Participants to identify and access appropriate learning activities and influence more flexible delivery of those activities. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 50% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closed for new applications on 30 June 2001. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $678,835 (ii) 2002-03 $nil. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
The purpose of the scheme is to assist eligible property owners to defray part of the financial impact resulting from the de-stocking of all sheep and goats in order to maintain WA’s area free from this disease. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property. · The applicant must as at 1 January 2001, have been issued with an order under Regulation 18 of the Enzootic Disease Regulations 1970 requiring de-stocking of all sheep and goats from the property. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $135,000 (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii)Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 1 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to increase participation by Participants in learning activities which will enhance the profitability, competitiveness and sustainability of their farm business enterprises; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefits of continuous learning and skills development and their relevance to the changing management needs of a competitive farm sector; and · to enhance the capacity of Participants to identify and access appropriate learning activities and influence more flexible delivery of those activities. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 50% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closed for new applications on 30 June 2001. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $678,835 (ii) 2002-03 $nil. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property. · The applicant must as at 1 January 2001, have been issued with an order under Regulation 18 of the Enzootic Disease Regulations 1970 requiring de-stocking of all sheep and goats from the property. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $135,000 (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii)Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 1 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to increase participation by Participants in learning activities which will enhance the profitability, competitiveness and sustainability of their farm business enterprises; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefits of continuous learning and skills development and their relevance to the changing management needs of a competitive farm sector; and · to enhance the capacity of Participants to identify and access appropriate learning activities and influence more flexible delivery of those activities. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 50% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closed for new applications on 30 June 2001. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $678,835 (ii) 2002-03 $nil. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property. · The applicant must as at 1 January 2001, have been issued with an order under Regulation 18 of the Enzootic Disease Regulations 1970 requiring de-stocking of all sheep and goats from the property. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $135,000 (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii)Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 1 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to increase participation by Participants in learning activities which will enhance the profitability, competitiveness and sustainability of their farm business enterprises; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefits of continuous learning and skills development and their relevance to the changing management needs of a competitive farm sector; and · to enhance the capacity of Participants to identify and access appropriate learning activities and influence more flexible delivery of those activities. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 50% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closed for new applications on 30 June 2001. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $678,835 (ii) 2002-03 $nil. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $135,000 (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii)Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 1 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to increase participation by Participants in learning activities which will enhance the profitability, competitiveness and sustainability of their farm business enterprises; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefits of continuous learning and skills development and their relevance to the changing management needs of a competitive farm sector; and · to enhance the capacity of Participants to identify and access appropriate learning activities and influence more flexible delivery of those activities. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 50% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closed for new applications on 30 June 2001. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $678,835 (ii) 2002-03 $nil. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(i) 2001-02 $135,000 (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii)Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 1 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to increase participation by Participants in learning activities which will enhance the profitability, competitiveness and sustainability of their farm business enterprises; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefits of continuous learning and skills development and their relevance to the changing management needs of a competitive farm sector; and · to enhance the capacity of Participants to identify and access appropriate learning activities and influence more flexible delivery of those activities. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 50% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closed for new applications on 30 June 2001. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $678,835 (ii) 2002-03 $nil. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 1 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to increase participation by Participants in learning activities which will enhance the profitability, competitiveness and sustainability of their farm business enterprises; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefits of continuous learning and skills development and their relevance to the changing management needs of a competitive farm sector; and · to enhance the capacity of Participants to identify and access appropriate learning activities and influence more flexible delivery of those activities. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 50% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closed for new applications on 30 June 2001. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $678,835 (ii) 2002-03 $nil. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
FarmBis 1 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to increase participation by Participants in learning activities which will enhance the profitability, competitiveness and sustainability of their farm business enterprises; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefits of continuous learning and skills development and their relevance to the changing management needs of a competitive farm sector; and · to enhance the capacity of Participants to identify and access appropriate learning activities and influence more flexible delivery of those activities. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 50% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closed for new applications on 30 June 2001. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $678,835 (ii) 2002-03 $nil. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to increase participation by Participants in learning activities which will enhance the profitability, competitiveness and sustainability of their farm business enterprises; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefits of continuous learning and skills development and their relevance to the changing management needs of a competitive farm sector; and · to enhance the capacity of Participants to identify and access appropriate learning activities and influence more flexible delivery of those activities. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 50% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closed for new applications on 30 June 2001. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $678,835 (ii) 2002-03 $nil. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
The purpose of the scheme is: · to increase participation by Participants in learning activities which will enhance the profitability, competitiveness and sustainability of their farm business enterprises; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefits of continuous learning and skills development and their relevance to the changing management needs of a competitive farm sector; and · to enhance the capacity of Participants to identify and access appropriate learning activities and influence more flexible delivery of those activities. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 50% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closed for new applications on 30 June 2001. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $678,835 (ii) 2002-03 $nil. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
· to increase participation by Participants in learning activities which will enhance the profitability, competitiveness and sustainability of their farm business enterprises; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefits of continuous learning and skills development and their relevance to the changing management needs of a competitive farm sector; and · to enhance the capacity of Participants to identify and access appropriate learning activities and influence more flexible delivery of those activities. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 50% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closed for new applications on 30 June 2001. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $678,835 (ii) 2002-03 $nil. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closed for new applications on 30 June 2001. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $678,835 (ii) 2002-03 $nil. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closed for new applications on 30 June 2001. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $678,835 (ii) 2002-03 $nil. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
· Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closed for new applications on 30 June 2001. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $678,835 (ii) 2002-03 $nil. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $678,835 (ii) 2002-03 $nil. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(i) 2001-02 $678,835 (ii) 2002-03 $nil. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
· Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
· For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
· Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
· To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
· Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
· to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
· Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
· Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
· Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
· contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
See Tabled Paper.
(c) the eligibility criteria for assistance; (d) the actual expenditure in - (i) 2001-2002; (ii) 2002-2003; and (iii) the budgeted allocation in 2003-2004?
(d) the actual expenditure in - (i) 2001-2002; (ii) 2002-2003; and (iii) the budgeted allocation in 2003-2004?
(ii) 2002-2003; and (iii) the budgeted allocation in 2003-2004?
(iii) the budgeted allocation in 2003-2004?
(a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Adjustment Scheme – Exceptional Circumstances (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers in Exceptional Circumstances declared areas of Western Australia who would otherwise have prospects of long-term profitability and sustainability, but for exceptional conditions arising from an event which have detrimentally affected the farmer’s income, leading to financial difficulty. Interest rate subsidy grants of up to 50% on interest payable and associated costs of borrowings are provided for up to two years. The maximum grant is $100,000 per year. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Provided only to farmers in the declared areas. · Business must have long-term profitability and sustainability, have suffered a production decline and suffered reduced equity. · Subsidy calculated on interest payable and associated costs of farm borrowings. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $7,839,416 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $6,000,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $3,160,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Gascoyne Murchison Strategy Rural Partnership Program (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to facilitate the sustainability, profitability and productivity of farm business enterprises and farm business groups in the Gascoyne-Murchison region of Western Australia. This will be achieved through the implementation of a number of measures as detailed in the Commonwealth State Agreement. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is set out in the Policy Guidelines for each type of measure. · Implementation of Business Plans: grants provided to farm business enterprises undertaking productivity enhancement measures in accordance with business plans. Grants also provided to farm business enterprises for on-farm works and activities to achieve property build up, to enable property amalgamation, property improvement, enterprise diversification and other productivity enhancing initiatives. · Identification and Development of Regionally Based Alternative Enterprises: financial support to assist in meeting the costs associated with initial planning and feasibility of alternative enterprises relevant to the Gascoyne Murchison region, grants to assist the implementation of alternative enterprises relevant to the Gascoyne Murchison region and support for enterprise adjustment through diversifying leases. · Voluntary Lease Adjustment: facilitation of the development of options for the restructuring of leases and broker the restructure and sale of leases and where appropriate provide funds to facilitate restructuring of leases and provision of funding to assist producers experiencing long-term business difficulties in assessing opportunities for structural and enterprise adjustment. · The scheme closes for new applications on 28 August 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in: (i) 2001-02 $966,907 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,648,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,772,000 (Includes $1.508m RBDC & $0.264m DAWA) (a) Name of Financial Assistance South Coast Regional Strategy (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to facilitate improved sustainability and profitability of enterprises in the South Coast region of Western Australia. This will be achieved by provision of grants to eligible farm business enterprises undertaking productivity enhancement in accordance with business plans including but not limited to activities such as: · on and off farm works and activities to achieve property improvement, enterprise diversification, property build up, and other productivity enhancing initiatives. · financial support to assist in meeting the costs associated with the provision of appropriate professional advice regarding the feasibility and development of alternative enterprises relevant to the South Coast region. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property within the defined region. · The applicant must prepare a Business Plan that identifies both long term profitability and sustainability of farm business enterprise. · Grants, up to $10,000 are provided to implement agreed activities within the business plan. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,462,622 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $30,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Resource Adjustment Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to: · assist landholders engaged in rural industry who have been adversely affected by a government objection to the clearing of remnant vegetation on their property · to establish ownership and management of that remnant vegetation in a manner which will maintain its condition in the long term for the benefit of rural industry and the wider community. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Those landholders in Western Australia who submitted a Notice of Intention to Clear Land between 17 May 1995 and the starting date of the Memorandum of Understanding for the Protection of Remnant Vegetation in the Agricultural region of Western Australia, and had an objection placed against their clearing by the Commissioner for Soil and Land Conservation; · The landholder(s) must register for the scheme prior to 1 January 1998; · The land must be zoned Rural; · If necessary, it must be practical to subdivide the remnant vegetation area into a separate location, in a manner supported by the WA Planning Commission and the appropriate local government authority; · The vegetation under consideration must be contiguous · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $16,888 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $150,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Progress Rural Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to invest and support agricultural industry projects and activities that will produce identifiable state, rural industry or regional benefits. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant can be a “farm business enterprise” or a “farmer group” or a “group of farmers” based in Western Australia, · Projects must demonstrate identifiable state wide, rural industry or regional benefits. · Application to be based on a suitable submission or business plan and proposal that clearly identifies how funding will assist the achievement of objectives of the applicant and the scheme. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $486,443 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $5,459 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Ovine Johne’s Disease De-Stocking Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to assist eligible property owners to defray part of the financial impact resulting from the de-stocking of all sheep and goats in order to maintain WA’s area free from this disease. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property. · The applicant must as at 1 January 2001, have been issued with an order under Regulation 18 of the Enzootic Disease Regulations 1970 requiring de-stocking of all sheep and goats from the property. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $135,000 (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii)Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 1 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to increase participation by Participants in learning activities which will enhance the profitability, competitiveness and sustainability of their farm business enterprises; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefits of continuous learning and skills development and their relevance to the changing management needs of a competitive farm sector; and · to enhance the capacity of Participants to identify and access appropriate learning activities and influence more flexible delivery of those activities. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 50% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closed for new applications on 30 June 2001. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $678,835 (ii) 2002-03 $nil. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
Rural Adjustment Scheme – Exceptional Circumstances (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers in Exceptional Circumstances declared areas of Western Australia who would otherwise have prospects of long-term profitability and sustainability, but for exceptional conditions arising from an event which have detrimentally affected the farmer’s income, leading to financial difficulty. Interest rate subsidy grants of up to 50% on interest payable and associated costs of borrowings are provided for up to two years. The maximum grant is $100,000 per year. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Provided only to farmers in the declared areas. · Business must have long-term profitability and sustainability, have suffered a production decline and suffered reduced equity. · Subsidy calculated on interest payable and associated costs of farm borrowings. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $7,839,416 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $6,000,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $3,160,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Gascoyne Murchison Strategy Rural Partnership Program (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to facilitate the sustainability, profitability and productivity of farm business enterprises and farm business groups in the Gascoyne-Murchison region of Western Australia. This will be achieved through the implementation of a number of measures as detailed in the Commonwealth State Agreement. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is set out in the Policy Guidelines for each type of measure. · Implementation of Business Plans: grants provided to farm business enterprises undertaking productivity enhancement measures in accordance with business plans. Grants also provided to farm business enterprises for on-farm works and activities to achieve property build up, to enable property amalgamation, property improvement, enterprise diversification and other productivity enhancing initiatives. · Identification and Development of Regionally Based Alternative Enterprises: financial support to assist in meeting the costs associated with initial planning and feasibility of alternative enterprises relevant to the Gascoyne Murchison region, grants to assist the implementation of alternative enterprises relevant to the Gascoyne Murchison region and support for enterprise adjustment through diversifying leases. · Voluntary Lease Adjustment: facilitation of the development of options for the restructuring of leases and broker the restructure and sale of leases and where appropriate provide funds to facilitate restructuring of leases and provision of funding to assist producers experiencing long-term business difficulties in assessing opportunities for structural and enterprise adjustment. · The scheme closes for new applications on 28 August 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in: (i) 2001-02 $966,907 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,648,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,772,000 (Includes $1.508m RBDC & $0.264m DAWA) (a) Name of Financial Assistance South Coast Regional Strategy (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to facilitate improved sustainability and profitability of enterprises in the South Coast region of Western Australia. This will be achieved by provision of grants to eligible farm business enterprises undertaking productivity enhancement in accordance with business plans including but not limited to activities such as: · on and off farm works and activities to achieve property improvement, enterprise diversification, property build up, and other productivity enhancing initiatives. · financial support to assist in meeting the costs associated with the provision of appropriate professional advice regarding the feasibility and development of alternative enterprises relevant to the South Coast region. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property within the defined region. · The applicant must prepare a Business Plan that identifies both long term profitability and sustainability of farm business enterprise. · Grants, up to $10,000 are provided to implement agreed activities within the business plan. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,462,622 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $30,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Resource Adjustment Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to: · assist landholders engaged in rural industry who have been adversely affected by a government objection to the clearing of remnant vegetation on their property · to establish ownership and management of that remnant vegetation in a manner which will maintain its condition in the long term for the benefit of rural industry and the wider community. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Those landholders in Western Australia who submitted a Notice of Intention to Clear Land between 17 May 1995 and the starting date of the Memorandum of Understanding for the Protection of Remnant Vegetation in the Agricultural region of Western Australia, and had an objection placed against their clearing by the Commissioner for Soil and Land Conservation; · The landholder(s) must register for the scheme prior to 1 January 1998; · The land must be zoned Rural; · If necessary, it must be practical to subdivide the remnant vegetation area into a separate location, in a manner supported by the WA Planning Commission and the appropriate local government authority; · The vegetation under consideration must be contiguous · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $16,888 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $150,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Progress Rural Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to invest and support agricultural industry projects and activities that will produce identifiable state, rural industry or regional benefits. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant can be a “farm business enterprise” or a “farmer group” or a “group of farmers” based in Western Australia, · Projects must demonstrate identifiable state wide, rural industry or regional benefits. · Application to be based on a suitable submission or business plan and proposal that clearly identifies how funding will assist the achievement of objectives of the applicant and the scheme. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $486,443 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $5,459 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Ovine Johne’s Disease De-Stocking Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to assist eligible property owners to defray part of the financial impact resulting from the de-stocking of all sheep and goats in order to maintain WA’s area free from this disease. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property. · The applicant must as at 1 January 2001, have been issued with an order under Regulation 18 of the Enzootic Disease Regulations 1970 requiring de-stocking of all sheep and goats from the property. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $135,000 (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii)Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 1 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to increase participation by Participants in learning activities which will enhance the profitability, competitiveness and sustainability of their farm business enterprises; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefits of continuous learning and skills development and their relevance to the changing management needs of a competitive farm sector; and · to enhance the capacity of Participants to identify and access appropriate learning activities and influence more flexible delivery of those activities. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 50% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closed for new applications on 30 June 2001. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $678,835 (ii) 2002-03 $nil. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers in Exceptional Circumstances declared areas of Western Australia who would otherwise have prospects of long-term profitability and sustainability, but for exceptional conditions arising from an event which have detrimentally affected the farmer’s income, leading to financial difficulty. Interest rate subsidy grants of up to 50% on interest payable and associated costs of borrowings are provided for up to two years. The maximum grant is $100,000 per year. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Provided only to farmers in the declared areas. · Business must have long-term profitability and sustainability, have suffered a production decline and suffered reduced equity. · Subsidy calculated on interest payable and associated costs of farm borrowings. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $7,839,416 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $6,000,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $3,160,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Gascoyne Murchison Strategy Rural Partnership Program (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to facilitate the sustainability, profitability and productivity of farm business enterprises and farm business groups in the Gascoyne-Murchison region of Western Australia. This will be achieved through the implementation of a number of measures as detailed in the Commonwealth State Agreement. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is set out in the Policy Guidelines for each type of measure. · Implementation of Business Plans: grants provided to farm business enterprises undertaking productivity enhancement measures in accordance with business plans. Grants also provided to farm business enterprises for on-farm works and activities to achieve property build up, to enable property amalgamation, property improvement, enterprise diversification and other productivity enhancing initiatives. · Identification and Development of Regionally Based Alternative Enterprises: financial support to assist in meeting the costs associated with initial planning and feasibility of alternative enterprises relevant to the Gascoyne Murchison region, grants to assist the implementation of alternative enterprises relevant to the Gascoyne Murchison region and support for enterprise adjustment through diversifying leases. · Voluntary Lease Adjustment: facilitation of the development of options for the restructuring of leases and broker the restructure and sale of leases and where appropriate provide funds to facilitate restructuring of leases and provision of funding to assist producers experiencing long-term business difficulties in assessing opportunities for structural and enterprise adjustment. · The scheme closes for new applications on 28 August 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in: (i) 2001-02 $966,907 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,648,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,772,000 (Includes $1.508m RBDC & $0.264m DAWA) (a) Name of Financial Assistance South Coast Regional Strategy (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to facilitate improved sustainability and profitability of enterprises in the South Coast region of Western Australia. This will be achieved by provision of grants to eligible farm business enterprises undertaking productivity enhancement in accordance with business plans including but not limited to activities such as: · on and off farm works and activities to achieve property improvement, enterprise diversification, property build up, and other productivity enhancing initiatives. · financial support to assist in meeting the costs associated with the provision of appropriate professional advice regarding the feasibility and development of alternative enterprises relevant to the South Coast region. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property within the defined region. · The applicant must prepare a Business Plan that identifies both long term profitability and sustainability of farm business enterprise. · Grants, up to $10,000 are provided to implement agreed activities within the business plan. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,462,622 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $30,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Resource Adjustment Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to: · assist landholders engaged in rural industry who have been adversely affected by a government objection to the clearing of remnant vegetation on their property · to establish ownership and management of that remnant vegetation in a manner which will maintain its condition in the long term for the benefit of rural industry and the wider community. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Those landholders in Western Australia who submitted a Notice of Intention to Clear Land between 17 May 1995 and the starting date of the Memorandum of Understanding for the Protection of Remnant Vegetation in the Agricultural region of Western Australia, and had an objection placed against their clearing by the Commissioner for Soil and Land Conservation; · The landholder(s) must register for the scheme prior to 1 January 1998; · The land must be zoned Rural; · If necessary, it must be practical to subdivide the remnant vegetation area into a separate location, in a manner supported by the WA Planning Commission and the appropriate local government authority; · The vegetation under consideration must be contiguous · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $16,888 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $150,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Progress Rural Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to invest and support agricultural industry projects and activities that will produce identifiable state, rural industry or regional benefits. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant can be a “farm business enterprise” or a “farmer group” or a “group of farmers” based in Western Australia, · Projects must demonstrate identifiable state wide, rural industry or regional benefits. · Application to be based on a suitable submission or business plan and proposal that clearly identifies how funding will assist the achievement of objectives of the applicant and the scheme. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $486,443 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $5,459 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Ovine Johne’s Disease De-Stocking Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to assist eligible property owners to defray part of the financial impact resulting from the de-stocking of all sheep and goats in order to maintain WA’s area free from this disease. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property. · The applicant must as at 1 January 2001, have been issued with an order under Regulation 18 of the Enzootic Disease Regulations 1970 requiring de-stocking of all sheep and goats from the property. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $135,000 (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii)Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 1 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to increase participation by Participants in learning activities which will enhance the profitability, competitiveness and sustainability of their farm business enterprises; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefits of continuous learning and skills development and their relevance to the changing management needs of a competitive farm sector; and · to enhance the capacity of Participants to identify and access appropriate learning activities and influence more flexible delivery of those activities. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 50% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closed for new applications on 30 June 2001. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $678,835 (ii) 2002-03 $nil. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
Assist farmers in Exceptional Circumstances declared areas of Western Australia who would otherwise have prospects of long-term profitability and sustainability, but for exceptional conditions arising from an event which have detrimentally affected the farmer’s income, leading to financial difficulty. Interest rate subsidy grants of up to 50% on interest payable and associated costs of borrowings are provided for up to two years. The maximum grant is $100,000 per year. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Provided only to farmers in the declared areas. · Business must have long-term profitability and sustainability, have suffered a production decline and suffered reduced equity. · Subsidy calculated on interest payable and associated costs of farm borrowings. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $7,839,416 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $6,000,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $3,160,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Gascoyne Murchison Strategy Rural Partnership Program (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to facilitate the sustainability, profitability and productivity of farm business enterprises and farm business groups in the Gascoyne-Murchison region of Western Australia. This will be achieved through the implementation of a number of measures as detailed in the Commonwealth State Agreement. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is set out in the Policy Guidelines for each type of measure. · Implementation of Business Plans: grants provided to farm business enterprises undertaking productivity enhancement measures in accordance with business plans. Grants also provided to farm business enterprises for on-farm works and activities to achieve property build up, to enable property amalgamation, property improvement, enterprise diversification and other productivity enhancing initiatives. · Identification and Development of Regionally Based Alternative Enterprises: financial support to assist in meeting the costs associated with initial planning and feasibility of alternative enterprises relevant to the Gascoyne Murchison region, grants to assist the implementation of alternative enterprises relevant to the Gascoyne Murchison region and support for enterprise adjustment through diversifying leases. · Voluntary Lease Adjustment: facilitation of the development of options for the restructuring of leases and broker the restructure and sale of leases and where appropriate provide funds to facilitate restructuring of leases and provision of funding to assist producers experiencing long-term business difficulties in assessing opportunities for structural and enterprise adjustment. · The scheme closes for new applications on 28 August 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in: (i) 2001-02 $966,907 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,648,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,772,000 (Includes $1.508m RBDC & $0.264m DAWA) (a) Name of Financial Assistance South Coast Regional Strategy (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to facilitate improved sustainability and profitability of enterprises in the South Coast region of Western Australia. This will be achieved by provision of grants to eligible farm business enterprises undertaking productivity enhancement in accordance with business plans including but not limited to activities such as: · on and off farm works and activities to achieve property improvement, enterprise diversification, property build up, and other productivity enhancing initiatives. · financial support to assist in meeting the costs associated with the provision of appropriate professional advice regarding the feasibility and development of alternative enterprises relevant to the South Coast region. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property within the defined region. · The applicant must prepare a Business Plan that identifies both long term profitability and sustainability of farm business enterprise. · Grants, up to $10,000 are provided to implement agreed activities within the business plan. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,462,622 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $30,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Resource Adjustment Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to: · assist landholders engaged in rural industry who have been adversely affected by a government objection to the clearing of remnant vegetation on their property · to establish ownership and management of that remnant vegetation in a manner which will maintain its condition in the long term for the benefit of rural industry and the wider community. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Those landholders in Western Australia who submitted a Notice of Intention to Clear Land between 17 May 1995 and the starting date of the Memorandum of Understanding for the Protection of Remnant Vegetation in the Agricultural region of Western Australia, and had an objection placed against their clearing by the Commissioner for Soil and Land Conservation; · The landholder(s) must register for the scheme prior to 1 January 1998; · The land must be zoned Rural; · If necessary, it must be practical to subdivide the remnant vegetation area into a separate location, in a manner supported by the WA Planning Commission and the appropriate local government authority; · The vegetation under consideration must be contiguous · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $16,888 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $150,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Progress Rural Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to invest and support agricultural industry projects and activities that will produce identifiable state, rural industry or regional benefits. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant can be a “farm business enterprise” or a “farmer group” or a “group of farmers” based in Western Australia, · Projects must demonstrate identifiable state wide, rural industry or regional benefits. · Application to be based on a suitable submission or business plan and proposal that clearly identifies how funding will assist the achievement of objectives of the applicant and the scheme. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $486,443 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $5,459 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Ovine Johne’s Disease De-Stocking Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to assist eligible property owners to defray part of the financial impact resulting from the de-stocking of all sheep and goats in order to maintain WA’s area free from this disease. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property. · The applicant must as at 1 January 2001, have been issued with an order under Regulation 18 of the Enzootic Disease Regulations 1970 requiring de-stocking of all sheep and goats from the property. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $135,000 (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii)Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 1 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to increase participation by Participants in learning activities which will enhance the profitability, competitiveness and sustainability of their farm business enterprises; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefits of continuous learning and skills development and their relevance to the changing management needs of a competitive farm sector; and · to enhance the capacity of Participants to identify and access appropriate learning activities and influence more flexible delivery of those activities. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 50% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closed for new applications on 30 June 2001. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $678,835 (ii) 2002-03 $nil. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
Interest rate subsidy grants of up to 50% on interest payable and associated costs of borrowings are provided for up to two years. The maximum grant is $100,000 per year. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Provided only to farmers in the declared areas. · Business must have long-term profitability and sustainability, have suffered a production decline and suffered reduced equity. · Subsidy calculated on interest payable and associated costs of farm borrowings. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $7,839,416 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $6,000,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $3,160,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Gascoyne Murchison Strategy Rural Partnership Program (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to facilitate the sustainability, profitability and productivity of farm business enterprises and farm business groups in the Gascoyne-Murchison region of Western Australia. This will be achieved through the implementation of a number of measures as detailed in the Commonwealth State Agreement. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is set out in the Policy Guidelines for each type of measure. · Implementation of Business Plans: grants provided to farm business enterprises undertaking productivity enhancement measures in accordance with business plans. Grants also provided to farm business enterprises for on-farm works and activities to achieve property build up, to enable property amalgamation, property improvement, enterprise diversification and other productivity enhancing initiatives. · Identification and Development of Regionally Based Alternative Enterprises: financial support to assist in meeting the costs associated with initial planning and feasibility of alternative enterprises relevant to the Gascoyne Murchison region, grants to assist the implementation of alternative enterprises relevant to the Gascoyne Murchison region and support for enterprise adjustment through diversifying leases. · Voluntary Lease Adjustment: facilitation of the development of options for the restructuring of leases and broker the restructure and sale of leases and where appropriate provide funds to facilitate restructuring of leases and provision of funding to assist producers experiencing long-term business difficulties in assessing opportunities for structural and enterprise adjustment. · The scheme closes for new applications on 28 August 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in: (i) 2001-02 $966,907 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,648,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,772,000 (Includes $1.508m RBDC & $0.264m DAWA) (a) Name of Financial Assistance South Coast Regional Strategy (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to facilitate improved sustainability and profitability of enterprises in the South Coast region of Western Australia. This will be achieved by provision of grants to eligible farm business enterprises undertaking productivity enhancement in accordance with business plans including but not limited to activities such as: · on and off farm works and activities to achieve property improvement, enterprise diversification, property build up, and other productivity enhancing initiatives. · financial support to assist in meeting the costs associated with the provision of appropriate professional advice regarding the feasibility and development of alternative enterprises relevant to the South Coast region. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property within the defined region. · The applicant must prepare a Business Plan that identifies both long term profitability and sustainability of farm business enterprise. · Grants, up to $10,000 are provided to implement agreed activities within the business plan. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,462,622 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $30,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Resource Adjustment Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to: · assist landholders engaged in rural industry who have been adversely affected by a government objection to the clearing of remnant vegetation on their property · to establish ownership and management of that remnant vegetation in a manner which will maintain its condition in the long term for the benefit of rural industry and the wider community. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Those landholders in Western Australia who submitted a Notice of Intention to Clear Land between 17 May 1995 and the starting date of the Memorandum of Understanding for the Protection of Remnant Vegetation in the Agricultural region of Western Australia, and had an objection placed against their clearing by the Commissioner for Soil and Land Conservation; · The landholder(s) must register for the scheme prior to 1 January 1998; · The land must be zoned Rural; · If necessary, it must be practical to subdivide the remnant vegetation area into a separate location, in a manner supported by the WA Planning Commission and the appropriate local government authority; · The vegetation under consideration must be contiguous · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $16,888 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $150,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Progress Rural Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to invest and support agricultural industry projects and activities that will produce identifiable state, rural industry or regional benefits. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant can be a “farm business enterprise” or a “farmer group” or a “group of farmers” based in Western Australia, · Projects must demonstrate identifiable state wide, rural industry or regional benefits. · Application to be based on a suitable submission or business plan and proposal that clearly identifies how funding will assist the achievement of objectives of the applicant and the scheme. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $486,443 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $5,459 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Ovine Johne’s Disease De-Stocking Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to assist eligible property owners to defray part of the financial impact resulting from the de-stocking of all sheep and goats in order to maintain WA’s area free from this disease. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property. · The applicant must as at 1 January 2001, have been issued with an order under Regulation 18 of the Enzootic Disease Regulations 1970 requiring de-stocking of all sheep and goats from the property. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $135,000 (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii)Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 1 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to increase participation by Participants in learning activities which will enhance the profitability, competitiveness and sustainability of their farm business enterprises; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefits of continuous learning and skills development and their relevance to the changing management needs of a competitive farm sector; and · to enhance the capacity of Participants to identify and access appropriate learning activities and influence more flexible delivery of those activities. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 50% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closed for new applications on 30 June 2001. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $678,835 (ii) 2002-03 $nil. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Provided only to farmers in the declared areas. · Business must have long-term profitability and sustainability, have suffered a production decline and suffered reduced equity. · Subsidy calculated on interest payable and associated costs of farm borrowings. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $7,839,416 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $6,000,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $3,160,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Gascoyne Murchison Strategy Rural Partnership Program (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to facilitate the sustainability, profitability and productivity of farm business enterprises and farm business groups in the Gascoyne-Murchison region of Western Australia. This will be achieved through the implementation of a number of measures as detailed in the Commonwealth State Agreement. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is set out in the Policy Guidelines for each type of measure. · Implementation of Business Plans: grants provided to farm business enterprises undertaking productivity enhancement measures in accordance with business plans. Grants also provided to farm business enterprises for on-farm works and activities to achieve property build up, to enable property amalgamation, property improvement, enterprise diversification and other productivity enhancing initiatives. · Identification and Development of Regionally Based Alternative Enterprises: financial support to assist in meeting the costs associated with initial planning and feasibility of alternative enterprises relevant to the Gascoyne Murchison region, grants to assist the implementation of alternative enterprises relevant to the Gascoyne Murchison region and support for enterprise adjustment through diversifying leases. · Voluntary Lease Adjustment: facilitation of the development of options for the restructuring of leases and broker the restructure and sale of leases and where appropriate provide funds to facilitate restructuring of leases and provision of funding to assist producers experiencing long-term business difficulties in assessing opportunities for structural and enterprise adjustment. · The scheme closes for new applications on 28 August 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in: (i) 2001-02 $966,907 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,648,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,772,000 (Includes $1.508m RBDC & $0.264m DAWA) (a) Name of Financial Assistance South Coast Regional Strategy (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to facilitate improved sustainability and profitability of enterprises in the South Coast region of Western Australia. This will be achieved by provision of grants to eligible farm business enterprises undertaking productivity enhancement in accordance with business plans including but not limited to activities such as: · on and off farm works and activities to achieve property improvement, enterprise diversification, property build up, and other productivity enhancing initiatives. · financial support to assist in meeting the costs associated with the provision of appropriate professional advice regarding the feasibility and development of alternative enterprises relevant to the South Coast region. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property within the defined region. · The applicant must prepare a Business Plan that identifies both long term profitability and sustainability of farm business enterprise. · Grants, up to $10,000 are provided to implement agreed activities within the business plan. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,462,622 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $30,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Resource Adjustment Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to: · assist landholders engaged in rural industry who have been adversely affected by a government objection to the clearing of remnant vegetation on their property · to establish ownership and management of that remnant vegetation in a manner which will maintain its condition in the long term for the benefit of rural industry and the wider community. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Those landholders in Western Australia who submitted a Notice of Intention to Clear Land between 17 May 1995 and the starting date of the Memorandum of Understanding for the Protection of Remnant Vegetation in the Agricultural region of Western Australia, and had an objection placed against their clearing by the Commissioner for Soil and Land Conservation; · The landholder(s) must register for the scheme prior to 1 January 1998; · The land must be zoned Rural; · If necessary, it must be practical to subdivide the remnant vegetation area into a separate location, in a manner supported by the WA Planning Commission and the appropriate local government authority; · The vegetation under consideration must be contiguous · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $16,888 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $150,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Progress Rural Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to invest and support agricultural industry projects and activities that will produce identifiable state, rural industry or regional benefits. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant can be a “farm business enterprise” or a “farmer group” or a “group of farmers” based in Western Australia, · Projects must demonstrate identifiable state wide, rural industry or regional benefits. · Application to be based on a suitable submission or business plan and proposal that clearly identifies how funding will assist the achievement of objectives of the applicant and the scheme. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $486,443 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $5,459 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Ovine Johne’s Disease De-Stocking Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to assist eligible property owners to defray part of the financial impact resulting from the de-stocking of all sheep and goats in order to maintain WA’s area free from this disease. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property. · The applicant must as at 1 January 2001, have been issued with an order under Regulation 18 of the Enzootic Disease Regulations 1970 requiring de-stocking of all sheep and goats from the property. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $135,000 (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii)Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 1 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to increase participation by Participants in learning activities which will enhance the profitability, competitiveness and sustainability of their farm business enterprises; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefits of continuous learning and skills development and their relevance to the changing management needs of a competitive farm sector; and · to enhance the capacity of Participants to identify and access appropriate learning activities and influence more flexible delivery of those activities. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 50% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closed for new applications on 30 June 2001. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $678,835 (ii) 2002-03 $nil. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Provided only to farmers in the declared areas. · Business must have long-term profitability and sustainability, have suffered a production decline and suffered reduced equity. · Subsidy calculated on interest payable and associated costs of farm borrowings. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $7,839,416 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $6,000,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $3,160,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Gascoyne Murchison Strategy Rural Partnership Program (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to facilitate the sustainability, profitability and productivity of farm business enterprises and farm business groups in the Gascoyne-Murchison region of Western Australia. This will be achieved through the implementation of a number of measures as detailed in the Commonwealth State Agreement. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is set out in the Policy Guidelines for each type of measure. · Implementation of Business Plans: grants provided to farm business enterprises undertaking productivity enhancement measures in accordance with business plans. Grants also provided to farm business enterprises for on-farm works and activities to achieve property build up, to enable property amalgamation, property improvement, enterprise diversification and other productivity enhancing initiatives. · Identification and Development of Regionally Based Alternative Enterprises: financial support to assist in meeting the costs associated with initial planning and feasibility of alternative enterprises relevant to the Gascoyne Murchison region, grants to assist the implementation of alternative enterprises relevant to the Gascoyne Murchison region and support for enterprise adjustment through diversifying leases. · Voluntary Lease Adjustment: facilitation of the development of options for the restructuring of leases and broker the restructure and sale of leases and where appropriate provide funds to facilitate restructuring of leases and provision of funding to assist producers experiencing long-term business difficulties in assessing opportunities for structural and enterprise adjustment. · The scheme closes for new applications on 28 August 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in: (i) 2001-02 $966,907 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,648,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,772,000 (Includes $1.508m RBDC & $0.264m DAWA) (a) Name of Financial Assistance South Coast Regional Strategy (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to facilitate improved sustainability and profitability of enterprises in the South Coast region of Western Australia. This will be achieved by provision of grants to eligible farm business enterprises undertaking productivity enhancement in accordance with business plans including but not limited to activities such as: · on and off farm works and activities to achieve property improvement, enterprise diversification, property build up, and other productivity enhancing initiatives. · financial support to assist in meeting the costs associated with the provision of appropriate professional advice regarding the feasibility and development of alternative enterprises relevant to the South Coast region. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property within the defined region. · The applicant must prepare a Business Plan that identifies both long term profitability and sustainability of farm business enterprise. · Grants, up to $10,000 are provided to implement agreed activities within the business plan. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,462,622 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $30,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Resource Adjustment Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to: · assist landholders engaged in rural industry who have been adversely affected by a government objection to the clearing of remnant vegetation on their property · to establish ownership and management of that remnant vegetation in a manner which will maintain its condition in the long term for the benefit of rural industry and the wider community. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Those landholders in Western Australia who submitted a Notice of Intention to Clear Land between 17 May 1995 and the starting date of the Memorandum of Understanding for the Protection of Remnant Vegetation in the Agricultural region of Western Australia, and had an objection placed against their clearing by the Commissioner for Soil and Land Conservation; · The landholder(s) must register for the scheme prior to 1 January 1998; · The land must be zoned Rural; · If necessary, it must be practical to subdivide the remnant vegetation area into a separate location, in a manner supported by the WA Planning Commission and the appropriate local government authority; · The vegetation under consideration must be contiguous · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $16,888 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $150,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Progress Rural Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to invest and support agricultural industry projects and activities that will produce identifiable state, rural industry or regional benefits. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant can be a “farm business enterprise” or a “farmer group” or a “group of farmers” based in Western Australia, · Projects must demonstrate identifiable state wide, rural industry or regional benefits. · Application to be based on a suitable submission or business plan and proposal that clearly identifies how funding will assist the achievement of objectives of the applicant and the scheme. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $486,443 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $5,459 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Ovine Johne’s Disease De-Stocking Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to assist eligible property owners to defray part of the financial impact resulting from the de-stocking of all sheep and goats in order to maintain WA’s area free from this disease. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property. · The applicant must as at 1 January 2001, have been issued with an order under Regulation 18 of the Enzootic Disease Regulations 1970 requiring de-stocking of all sheep and goats from the property. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $135,000 (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii)Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 1 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to increase participation by Participants in learning activities which will enhance the profitability, competitiveness and sustainability of their farm business enterprises; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefits of continuous learning and skills development and their relevance to the changing management needs of a competitive farm sector; and · to enhance the capacity of Participants to identify and access appropriate learning activities and influence more flexible delivery of those activities. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 50% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closed for new applications on 30 June 2001. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $678,835 (ii) 2002-03 $nil. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $7,839,416 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $6,000,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $3,160,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Gascoyne Murchison Strategy Rural Partnership Program (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to facilitate the sustainability, profitability and productivity of farm business enterprises and farm business groups in the Gascoyne-Murchison region of Western Australia. This will be achieved through the implementation of a number of measures as detailed in the Commonwealth State Agreement. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is set out in the Policy Guidelines for each type of measure. · Implementation of Business Plans: grants provided to farm business enterprises undertaking productivity enhancement measures in accordance with business plans. Grants also provided to farm business enterprises for on-farm works and activities to achieve property build up, to enable property amalgamation, property improvement, enterprise diversification and other productivity enhancing initiatives. · Identification and Development of Regionally Based Alternative Enterprises: financial support to assist in meeting the costs associated with initial planning and feasibility of alternative enterprises relevant to the Gascoyne Murchison region, grants to assist the implementation of alternative enterprises relevant to the Gascoyne Murchison region and support for enterprise adjustment through diversifying leases. · Voluntary Lease Adjustment: facilitation of the development of options for the restructuring of leases and broker the restructure and sale of leases and where appropriate provide funds to facilitate restructuring of leases and provision of funding to assist producers experiencing long-term business difficulties in assessing opportunities for structural and enterprise adjustment. · The scheme closes for new applications on 28 August 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in: (i) 2001-02 $966,907 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,648,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,772,000 (Includes $1.508m RBDC & $0.264m DAWA) (a) Name of Financial Assistance South Coast Regional Strategy (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to facilitate improved sustainability and profitability of enterprises in the South Coast region of Western Australia. This will be achieved by provision of grants to eligible farm business enterprises undertaking productivity enhancement in accordance with business plans including but not limited to activities such as: · on and off farm works and activities to achieve property improvement, enterprise diversification, property build up, and other productivity enhancing initiatives. · financial support to assist in meeting the costs associated with the provision of appropriate professional advice regarding the feasibility and development of alternative enterprises relevant to the South Coast region. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property within the defined region. · The applicant must prepare a Business Plan that identifies both long term profitability and sustainability of farm business enterprise. · Grants, up to $10,000 are provided to implement agreed activities within the business plan. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,462,622 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $30,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Resource Adjustment Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to: · assist landholders engaged in rural industry who have been adversely affected by a government objection to the clearing of remnant vegetation on their property · to establish ownership and management of that remnant vegetation in a manner which will maintain its condition in the long term for the benefit of rural industry and the wider community. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Those landholders in Western Australia who submitted a Notice of Intention to Clear Land between 17 May 1995 and the starting date of the Memorandum of Understanding for the Protection of Remnant Vegetation in the Agricultural region of Western Australia, and had an objection placed against their clearing by the Commissioner for Soil and Land Conservation; · The landholder(s) must register for the scheme prior to 1 January 1998; · The land must be zoned Rural; · If necessary, it must be practical to subdivide the remnant vegetation area into a separate location, in a manner supported by the WA Planning Commission and the appropriate local government authority; · The vegetation under consideration must be contiguous · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $16,888 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $150,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Progress Rural Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to invest and support agricultural industry projects and activities that will produce identifiable state, rural industry or regional benefits. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant can be a “farm business enterprise” or a “farmer group” or a “group of farmers” based in Western Australia, · Projects must demonstrate identifiable state wide, rural industry or regional benefits. · Application to be based on a suitable submission or business plan and proposal that clearly identifies how funding will assist the achievement of objectives of the applicant and the scheme. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $486,443 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $5,459 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Ovine Johne’s Disease De-Stocking Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to assist eligible property owners to defray part of the financial impact resulting from the de-stocking of all sheep and goats in order to maintain WA’s area free from this disease. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property. · The applicant must as at 1 January 2001, have been issued with an order under Regulation 18 of the Enzootic Disease Regulations 1970 requiring de-stocking of all sheep and goats from the property. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $135,000 (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii)Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 1 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to increase participation by Participants in learning activities which will enhance the profitability, competitiveness and sustainability of their farm business enterprises; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefits of continuous learning and skills development and their relevance to the changing management needs of a competitive farm sector; and · to enhance the capacity of Participants to identify and access appropriate learning activities and influence more flexible delivery of those activities. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 50% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closed for new applications on 30 June 2001. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $678,835 (ii) 2002-03 $nil. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(i) 2001-02 $7,839,416 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $6,000,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $3,160,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Gascoyne Murchison Strategy Rural Partnership Program (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to facilitate the sustainability, profitability and productivity of farm business enterprises and farm business groups in the Gascoyne-Murchison region of Western Australia. This will be achieved through the implementation of a number of measures as detailed in the Commonwealth State Agreement. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is set out in the Policy Guidelines for each type of measure. · Implementation of Business Plans: grants provided to farm business enterprises undertaking productivity enhancement measures in accordance with business plans. Grants also provided to farm business enterprises for on-farm works and activities to achieve property build up, to enable property amalgamation, property improvement, enterprise diversification and other productivity enhancing initiatives. · Identification and Development of Regionally Based Alternative Enterprises: financial support to assist in meeting the costs associated with initial planning and feasibility of alternative enterprises relevant to the Gascoyne Murchison region, grants to assist the implementation of alternative enterprises relevant to the Gascoyne Murchison region and support for enterprise adjustment through diversifying leases. · Voluntary Lease Adjustment: facilitation of the development of options for the restructuring of leases and broker the restructure and sale of leases and where appropriate provide funds to facilitate restructuring of leases and provision of funding to assist producers experiencing long-term business difficulties in assessing opportunities for structural and enterprise adjustment. · The scheme closes for new applications on 28 August 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in: (i) 2001-02 $966,907 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,648,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,772,000 (Includes $1.508m RBDC & $0.264m DAWA) (a) Name of Financial Assistance South Coast Regional Strategy (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to facilitate improved sustainability and profitability of enterprises in the South Coast region of Western Australia. This will be achieved by provision of grants to eligible farm business enterprises undertaking productivity enhancement in accordance with business plans including but not limited to activities such as: · on and off farm works and activities to achieve property improvement, enterprise diversification, property build up, and other productivity enhancing initiatives. · financial support to assist in meeting the costs associated with the provision of appropriate professional advice regarding the feasibility and development of alternative enterprises relevant to the South Coast region. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property within the defined region. · The applicant must prepare a Business Plan that identifies both long term profitability and sustainability of farm business enterprise. · Grants, up to $10,000 are provided to implement agreed activities within the business plan. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,462,622 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $30,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Resource Adjustment Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to: · assist landholders engaged in rural industry who have been adversely affected by a government objection to the clearing of remnant vegetation on their property · to establish ownership and management of that remnant vegetation in a manner which will maintain its condition in the long term for the benefit of rural industry and the wider community. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Those landholders in Western Australia who submitted a Notice of Intention to Clear Land between 17 May 1995 and the starting date of the Memorandum of Understanding for the Protection of Remnant Vegetation in the Agricultural region of Western Australia, and had an objection placed against their clearing by the Commissioner for Soil and Land Conservation; · The landholder(s) must register for the scheme prior to 1 January 1998; · The land must be zoned Rural; · If necessary, it must be practical to subdivide the remnant vegetation area into a separate location, in a manner supported by the WA Planning Commission and the appropriate local government authority; · The vegetation under consideration must be contiguous · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $16,888 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $150,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Progress Rural Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to invest and support agricultural industry projects and activities that will produce identifiable state, rural industry or regional benefits. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant can be a “farm business enterprise” or a “farmer group” or a “group of farmers” based in Western Australia, · Projects must demonstrate identifiable state wide, rural industry or regional benefits. · Application to be based on a suitable submission or business plan and proposal that clearly identifies how funding will assist the achievement of objectives of the applicant and the scheme. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $486,443 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $5,459 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Ovine Johne’s Disease De-Stocking Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to assist eligible property owners to defray part of the financial impact resulting from the de-stocking of all sheep and goats in order to maintain WA’s area free from this disease. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property. · The applicant must as at 1 January 2001, have been issued with an order under Regulation 18 of the Enzootic Disease Regulations 1970 requiring de-stocking of all sheep and goats from the property. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $135,000 (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii)Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 1 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to increase participation by Participants in learning activities which will enhance the profitability, competitiveness and sustainability of their farm business enterprises; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefits of continuous learning and skills development and their relevance to the changing management needs of a competitive farm sector; and · to enhance the capacity of Participants to identify and access appropriate learning activities and influence more flexible delivery of those activities. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 50% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closed for new applications on 30 June 2001. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $678,835 (ii) 2002-03 $nil. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(a) Name of Financial Assistance Gascoyne Murchison Strategy Rural Partnership Program (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to facilitate the sustainability, profitability and productivity of farm business enterprises and farm business groups in the Gascoyne-Murchison region of Western Australia. This will be achieved through the implementation of a number of measures as detailed in the Commonwealth State Agreement. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is set out in the Policy Guidelines for each type of measure. · Implementation of Business Plans: grants provided to farm business enterprises undertaking productivity enhancement measures in accordance with business plans. Grants also provided to farm business enterprises for on-farm works and activities to achieve property build up, to enable property amalgamation, property improvement, enterprise diversification and other productivity enhancing initiatives. · Identification and Development of Regionally Based Alternative Enterprises: financial support to assist in meeting the costs associated with initial planning and feasibility of alternative enterprises relevant to the Gascoyne Murchison region, grants to assist the implementation of alternative enterprises relevant to the Gascoyne Murchison region and support for enterprise adjustment through diversifying leases. · Voluntary Lease Adjustment: facilitation of the development of options for the restructuring of leases and broker the restructure and sale of leases and where appropriate provide funds to facilitate restructuring of leases and provision of funding to assist producers experiencing long-term business difficulties in assessing opportunities for structural and enterprise adjustment. · The scheme closes for new applications on 28 August 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in: (i) 2001-02 $966,907 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,648,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,772,000 (Includes $1.508m RBDC & $0.264m DAWA) (a) Name of Financial Assistance South Coast Regional Strategy (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to facilitate improved sustainability and profitability of enterprises in the South Coast region of Western Australia. This will be achieved by provision of grants to eligible farm business enterprises undertaking productivity enhancement in accordance with business plans including but not limited to activities such as: · on and off farm works and activities to achieve property improvement, enterprise diversification, property build up, and other productivity enhancing initiatives. · financial support to assist in meeting the costs associated with the provision of appropriate professional advice regarding the feasibility and development of alternative enterprises relevant to the South Coast region. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property within the defined region. · The applicant must prepare a Business Plan that identifies both long term profitability and sustainability of farm business enterprise. · Grants, up to $10,000 are provided to implement agreed activities within the business plan. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,462,622 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $30,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Resource Adjustment Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to: · assist landholders engaged in rural industry who have been adversely affected by a government objection to the clearing of remnant vegetation on their property · to establish ownership and management of that remnant vegetation in a manner which will maintain its condition in the long term for the benefit of rural industry and the wider community. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Those landholders in Western Australia who submitted a Notice of Intention to Clear Land between 17 May 1995 and the starting date of the Memorandum of Understanding for the Protection of Remnant Vegetation in the Agricultural region of Western Australia, and had an objection placed against their clearing by the Commissioner for Soil and Land Conservation; · The landholder(s) must register for the scheme prior to 1 January 1998; · The land must be zoned Rural; · If necessary, it must be practical to subdivide the remnant vegetation area into a separate location, in a manner supported by the WA Planning Commission and the appropriate local government authority; · The vegetation under consideration must be contiguous · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $16,888 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $150,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Progress Rural Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to invest and support agricultural industry projects and activities that will produce identifiable state, rural industry or regional benefits. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant can be a “farm business enterprise” or a “farmer group” or a “group of farmers” based in Western Australia, · Projects must demonstrate identifiable state wide, rural industry or regional benefits. · Application to be based on a suitable submission or business plan and proposal that clearly identifies how funding will assist the achievement of objectives of the applicant and the scheme. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $486,443 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $5,459 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Ovine Johne’s Disease De-Stocking Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to assist eligible property owners to defray part of the financial impact resulting from the de-stocking of all sheep and goats in order to maintain WA’s area free from this disease. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property. · The applicant must as at 1 January 2001, have been issued with an order under Regulation 18 of the Enzootic Disease Regulations 1970 requiring de-stocking of all sheep and goats from the property. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $135,000 (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii)Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 1 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to increase participation by Participants in learning activities which will enhance the profitability, competitiveness and sustainability of their farm business enterprises; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefits of continuous learning and skills development and their relevance to the changing management needs of a competitive farm sector; and · to enhance the capacity of Participants to identify and access appropriate learning activities and influence more flexible delivery of those activities. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 50% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closed for new applications on 30 June 2001. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $678,835 (ii) 2002-03 $nil. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
Gascoyne Murchison Strategy Rural Partnership Program (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to facilitate the sustainability, profitability and productivity of farm business enterprises and farm business groups in the Gascoyne-Murchison region of Western Australia. This will be achieved through the implementation of a number of measures as detailed in the Commonwealth State Agreement. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is set out in the Policy Guidelines for each type of measure. · Implementation of Business Plans: grants provided to farm business enterprises undertaking productivity enhancement measures in accordance with business plans. Grants also provided to farm business enterprises for on-farm works and activities to achieve property build up, to enable property amalgamation, property improvement, enterprise diversification and other productivity enhancing initiatives. · Identification and Development of Regionally Based Alternative Enterprises: financial support to assist in meeting the costs associated with initial planning and feasibility of alternative enterprises relevant to the Gascoyne Murchison region, grants to assist the implementation of alternative enterprises relevant to the Gascoyne Murchison region and support for enterprise adjustment through diversifying leases. · Voluntary Lease Adjustment: facilitation of the development of options for the restructuring of leases and broker the restructure and sale of leases and where appropriate provide funds to facilitate restructuring of leases and provision of funding to assist producers experiencing long-term business difficulties in assessing opportunities for structural and enterprise adjustment. · The scheme closes for new applications on 28 August 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in: (i) 2001-02 $966,907 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,648,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,772,000 (Includes $1.508m RBDC & $0.264m DAWA) (a) Name of Financial Assistance South Coast Regional Strategy (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to facilitate improved sustainability and profitability of enterprises in the South Coast region of Western Australia. This will be achieved by provision of grants to eligible farm business enterprises undertaking productivity enhancement in accordance with business plans including but not limited to activities such as: · on and off farm works and activities to achieve property improvement, enterprise diversification, property build up, and other productivity enhancing initiatives. · financial support to assist in meeting the costs associated with the provision of appropriate professional advice regarding the feasibility and development of alternative enterprises relevant to the South Coast region. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property within the defined region. · The applicant must prepare a Business Plan that identifies both long term profitability and sustainability of farm business enterprise. · Grants, up to $10,000 are provided to implement agreed activities within the business plan. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,462,622 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $30,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Resource Adjustment Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to: · assist landholders engaged in rural industry who have been adversely affected by a government objection to the clearing of remnant vegetation on their property · to establish ownership and management of that remnant vegetation in a manner which will maintain its condition in the long term for the benefit of rural industry and the wider community. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Those landholders in Western Australia who submitted a Notice of Intention to Clear Land between 17 May 1995 and the starting date of the Memorandum of Understanding for the Protection of Remnant Vegetation in the Agricultural region of Western Australia, and had an objection placed against their clearing by the Commissioner for Soil and Land Conservation; · The landholder(s) must register for the scheme prior to 1 January 1998; · The land must be zoned Rural; · If necessary, it must be practical to subdivide the remnant vegetation area into a separate location, in a manner supported by the WA Planning Commission and the appropriate local government authority; · The vegetation under consideration must be contiguous · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $16,888 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $150,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Progress Rural Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to invest and support agricultural industry projects and activities that will produce identifiable state, rural industry or regional benefits. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant can be a “farm business enterprise” or a “farmer group” or a “group of farmers” based in Western Australia, · Projects must demonstrate identifiable state wide, rural industry or regional benefits. · Application to be based on a suitable submission or business plan and proposal that clearly identifies how funding will assist the achievement of objectives of the applicant and the scheme. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $486,443 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $5,459 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Ovine Johne’s Disease De-Stocking Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to assist eligible property owners to defray part of the financial impact resulting from the de-stocking of all sheep and goats in order to maintain WA’s area free from this disease. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property. · The applicant must as at 1 January 2001, have been issued with an order under Regulation 18 of the Enzootic Disease Regulations 1970 requiring de-stocking of all sheep and goats from the property. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $135,000 (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii)Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 1 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to increase participation by Participants in learning activities which will enhance the profitability, competitiveness and sustainability of their farm business enterprises; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefits of continuous learning and skills development and their relevance to the changing management needs of a competitive farm sector; and · to enhance the capacity of Participants to identify and access appropriate learning activities and influence more flexible delivery of those activities. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 50% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closed for new applications on 30 June 2001. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $678,835 (ii) 2002-03 $nil. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to facilitate the sustainability, profitability and productivity of farm business enterprises and farm business groups in the Gascoyne-Murchison region of Western Australia. This will be achieved through the implementation of a number of measures as detailed in the Commonwealth State Agreement. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is set out in the Policy Guidelines for each type of measure. · Implementation of Business Plans: grants provided to farm business enterprises undertaking productivity enhancement measures in accordance with business plans. Grants also provided to farm business enterprises for on-farm works and activities to achieve property build up, to enable property amalgamation, property improvement, enterprise diversification and other productivity enhancing initiatives. · Identification and Development of Regionally Based Alternative Enterprises: financial support to assist in meeting the costs associated with initial planning and feasibility of alternative enterprises relevant to the Gascoyne Murchison region, grants to assist the implementation of alternative enterprises relevant to the Gascoyne Murchison region and support for enterprise adjustment through diversifying leases. · Voluntary Lease Adjustment: facilitation of the development of options for the restructuring of leases and broker the restructure and sale of leases and where appropriate provide funds to facilitate restructuring of leases and provision of funding to assist producers experiencing long-term business difficulties in assessing opportunities for structural and enterprise adjustment. · The scheme closes for new applications on 28 August 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in: (i) 2001-02 $966,907 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,648,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,772,000 (Includes $1.508m RBDC & $0.264m DAWA) (a) Name of Financial Assistance South Coast Regional Strategy (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to facilitate improved sustainability and profitability of enterprises in the South Coast region of Western Australia. This will be achieved by provision of grants to eligible farm business enterprises undertaking productivity enhancement in accordance with business plans including but not limited to activities such as: · on and off farm works and activities to achieve property improvement, enterprise diversification, property build up, and other productivity enhancing initiatives. · financial support to assist in meeting the costs associated with the provision of appropriate professional advice regarding the feasibility and development of alternative enterprises relevant to the South Coast region. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property within the defined region. · The applicant must prepare a Business Plan that identifies both long term profitability and sustainability of farm business enterprise. · Grants, up to $10,000 are provided to implement agreed activities within the business plan. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,462,622 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $30,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Resource Adjustment Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to: · assist landholders engaged in rural industry who have been adversely affected by a government objection to the clearing of remnant vegetation on their property · to establish ownership and management of that remnant vegetation in a manner which will maintain its condition in the long term for the benefit of rural industry and the wider community. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Those landholders in Western Australia who submitted a Notice of Intention to Clear Land between 17 May 1995 and the starting date of the Memorandum of Understanding for the Protection of Remnant Vegetation in the Agricultural region of Western Australia, and had an objection placed against their clearing by the Commissioner for Soil and Land Conservation; · The landholder(s) must register for the scheme prior to 1 January 1998; · The land must be zoned Rural; · If necessary, it must be practical to subdivide the remnant vegetation area into a separate location, in a manner supported by the WA Planning Commission and the appropriate local government authority; · The vegetation under consideration must be contiguous · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $16,888 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $150,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Progress Rural Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to invest and support agricultural industry projects and activities that will produce identifiable state, rural industry or regional benefits. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant can be a “farm business enterprise” or a “farmer group” or a “group of farmers” based in Western Australia, · Projects must demonstrate identifiable state wide, rural industry or regional benefits. · Application to be based on a suitable submission or business plan and proposal that clearly identifies how funding will assist the achievement of objectives of the applicant and the scheme. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $486,443 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $5,459 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Ovine Johne’s Disease De-Stocking Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to assist eligible property owners to defray part of the financial impact resulting from the de-stocking of all sheep and goats in order to maintain WA’s area free from this disease. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property. · The applicant must as at 1 January 2001, have been issued with an order under Regulation 18 of the Enzootic Disease Regulations 1970 requiring de-stocking of all sheep and goats from the property. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $135,000 (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii)Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 1 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to increase participation by Participants in learning activities which will enhance the profitability, competitiveness and sustainability of their farm business enterprises; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefits of continuous learning and skills development and their relevance to the changing management needs of a competitive farm sector; and · to enhance the capacity of Participants to identify and access appropriate learning activities and influence more flexible delivery of those activities. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 50% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closed for new applications on 30 June 2001. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $678,835 (ii) 2002-03 $nil. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
The purpose of the scheme is to facilitate the sustainability, profitability and productivity of farm business enterprises and farm business groups in the Gascoyne-Murchison region of Western Australia. This will be achieved through the implementation of a number of measures as detailed in the Commonwealth State Agreement. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is set out in the Policy Guidelines for each type of measure. · Implementation of Business Plans: grants provided to farm business enterprises undertaking productivity enhancement measures in accordance with business plans. Grants also provided to farm business enterprises for on-farm works and activities to achieve property build up, to enable property amalgamation, property improvement, enterprise diversification and other productivity enhancing initiatives. · Identification and Development of Regionally Based Alternative Enterprises: financial support to assist in meeting the costs associated with initial planning and feasibility of alternative enterprises relevant to the Gascoyne Murchison region, grants to assist the implementation of alternative enterprises relevant to the Gascoyne Murchison region and support for enterprise adjustment through diversifying leases. · Voluntary Lease Adjustment: facilitation of the development of options for the restructuring of leases and broker the restructure and sale of leases and where appropriate provide funds to facilitate restructuring of leases and provision of funding to assist producers experiencing long-term business difficulties in assessing opportunities for structural and enterprise adjustment. · The scheme closes for new applications on 28 August 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in: (i) 2001-02 $966,907 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,648,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,772,000 (Includes $1.508m RBDC & $0.264m DAWA) (a) Name of Financial Assistance South Coast Regional Strategy (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to facilitate improved sustainability and profitability of enterprises in the South Coast region of Western Australia. This will be achieved by provision of grants to eligible farm business enterprises undertaking productivity enhancement in accordance with business plans including but not limited to activities such as: · on and off farm works and activities to achieve property improvement, enterprise diversification, property build up, and other productivity enhancing initiatives. · financial support to assist in meeting the costs associated with the provision of appropriate professional advice regarding the feasibility and development of alternative enterprises relevant to the South Coast region. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property within the defined region. · The applicant must prepare a Business Plan that identifies both long term profitability and sustainability of farm business enterprise. · Grants, up to $10,000 are provided to implement agreed activities within the business plan. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,462,622 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $30,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Resource Adjustment Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to: · assist landholders engaged in rural industry who have been adversely affected by a government objection to the clearing of remnant vegetation on their property · to establish ownership and management of that remnant vegetation in a manner which will maintain its condition in the long term for the benefit of rural industry and the wider community. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Those landholders in Western Australia who submitted a Notice of Intention to Clear Land between 17 May 1995 and the starting date of the Memorandum of Understanding for the Protection of Remnant Vegetation in the Agricultural region of Western Australia, and had an objection placed against their clearing by the Commissioner for Soil and Land Conservation; · The landholder(s) must register for the scheme prior to 1 January 1998; · The land must be zoned Rural; · If necessary, it must be practical to subdivide the remnant vegetation area into a separate location, in a manner supported by the WA Planning Commission and the appropriate local government authority; · The vegetation under consideration must be contiguous · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $16,888 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $150,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Progress Rural Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to invest and support agricultural industry projects and activities that will produce identifiable state, rural industry or regional benefits. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant can be a “farm business enterprise” or a “farmer group” or a “group of farmers” based in Western Australia, · Projects must demonstrate identifiable state wide, rural industry or regional benefits. · Application to be based on a suitable submission or business plan and proposal that clearly identifies how funding will assist the achievement of objectives of the applicant and the scheme. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $486,443 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $5,459 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Ovine Johne’s Disease De-Stocking Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to assist eligible property owners to defray part of the financial impact resulting from the de-stocking of all sheep and goats in order to maintain WA’s area free from this disease. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property. · The applicant must as at 1 January 2001, have been issued with an order under Regulation 18 of the Enzootic Disease Regulations 1970 requiring de-stocking of all sheep and goats from the property. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $135,000 (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii)Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 1 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to increase participation by Participants in learning activities which will enhance the profitability, competitiveness and sustainability of their farm business enterprises; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefits of continuous learning and skills development and their relevance to the changing management needs of a competitive farm sector; and · to enhance the capacity of Participants to identify and access appropriate learning activities and influence more flexible delivery of those activities. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 50% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closed for new applications on 30 June 2001. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $678,835 (ii) 2002-03 $nil. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is set out in the Policy Guidelines for each type of measure. · Implementation of Business Plans: grants provided to farm business enterprises undertaking productivity enhancement measures in accordance with business plans. Grants also provided to farm business enterprises for on-farm works and activities to achieve property build up, to enable property amalgamation, property improvement, enterprise diversification and other productivity enhancing initiatives. · Identification and Development of Regionally Based Alternative Enterprises: financial support to assist in meeting the costs associated with initial planning and feasibility of alternative enterprises relevant to the Gascoyne Murchison region, grants to assist the implementation of alternative enterprises relevant to the Gascoyne Murchison region and support for enterprise adjustment through diversifying leases. · Voluntary Lease Adjustment: facilitation of the development of options for the restructuring of leases and broker the restructure and sale of leases and where appropriate provide funds to facilitate restructuring of leases and provision of funding to assist producers experiencing long-term business difficulties in assessing opportunities for structural and enterprise adjustment. · The scheme closes for new applications on 28 August 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in: (i) 2001-02 $966,907 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,648,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,772,000 (Includes $1.508m RBDC & $0.264m DAWA) (a) Name of Financial Assistance South Coast Regional Strategy (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to facilitate improved sustainability and profitability of enterprises in the South Coast region of Western Australia. This will be achieved by provision of grants to eligible farm business enterprises undertaking productivity enhancement in accordance with business plans including but not limited to activities such as: · on and off farm works and activities to achieve property improvement, enterprise diversification, property build up, and other productivity enhancing initiatives. · financial support to assist in meeting the costs associated with the provision of appropriate professional advice regarding the feasibility and development of alternative enterprises relevant to the South Coast region. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property within the defined region. · The applicant must prepare a Business Plan that identifies both long term profitability and sustainability of farm business enterprise. · Grants, up to $10,000 are provided to implement agreed activities within the business plan. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,462,622 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $30,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Resource Adjustment Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to: · assist landholders engaged in rural industry who have been adversely affected by a government objection to the clearing of remnant vegetation on their property · to establish ownership and management of that remnant vegetation in a manner which will maintain its condition in the long term for the benefit of rural industry and the wider community. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Those landholders in Western Australia who submitted a Notice of Intention to Clear Land between 17 May 1995 and the starting date of the Memorandum of Understanding for the Protection of Remnant Vegetation in the Agricultural region of Western Australia, and had an objection placed against their clearing by the Commissioner for Soil and Land Conservation; · The landholder(s) must register for the scheme prior to 1 January 1998; · The land must be zoned Rural; · If necessary, it must be practical to subdivide the remnant vegetation area into a separate location, in a manner supported by the WA Planning Commission and the appropriate local government authority; · The vegetation under consideration must be contiguous · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $16,888 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $150,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Progress Rural Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to invest and support agricultural industry projects and activities that will produce identifiable state, rural industry or regional benefits. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant can be a “farm business enterprise” or a “farmer group” or a “group of farmers” based in Western Australia, · Projects must demonstrate identifiable state wide, rural industry or regional benefits. · Application to be based on a suitable submission or business plan and proposal that clearly identifies how funding will assist the achievement of objectives of the applicant and the scheme. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $486,443 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $5,459 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Ovine Johne’s Disease De-Stocking Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to assist eligible property owners to defray part of the financial impact resulting from the de-stocking of all sheep and goats in order to maintain WA’s area free from this disease. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property. · The applicant must as at 1 January 2001, have been issued with an order under Regulation 18 of the Enzootic Disease Regulations 1970 requiring de-stocking of all sheep and goats from the property. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $135,000 (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii)Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 1 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to increase participation by Participants in learning activities which will enhance the profitability, competitiveness and sustainability of their farm business enterprises; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefits of continuous learning and skills development and their relevance to the changing management needs of a competitive farm sector; and · to enhance the capacity of Participants to identify and access appropriate learning activities and influence more flexible delivery of those activities. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 50% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closed for new applications on 30 June 2001. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $678,835 (ii) 2002-03 $nil. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
The broad eligibility criteria for support is set out in the Policy Guidelines for each type of measure. · Implementation of Business Plans: grants provided to farm business enterprises undertaking productivity enhancement measures in accordance with business plans. Grants also provided to farm business enterprises for on-farm works and activities to achieve property build up, to enable property amalgamation, property improvement, enterprise diversification and other productivity enhancing initiatives. · Identification and Development of Regionally Based Alternative Enterprises: financial support to assist in meeting the costs associated with initial planning and feasibility of alternative enterprises relevant to the Gascoyne Murchison region, grants to assist the implementation of alternative enterprises relevant to the Gascoyne Murchison region and support for enterprise adjustment through diversifying leases. · Voluntary Lease Adjustment: facilitation of the development of options for the restructuring of leases and broker the restructure and sale of leases and where appropriate provide funds to facilitate restructuring of leases and provision of funding to assist producers experiencing long-term business difficulties in assessing opportunities for structural and enterprise adjustment. · The scheme closes for new applications on 28 August 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in: (i) 2001-02 $966,907 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,648,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,772,000 (Includes $1.508m RBDC & $0.264m DAWA) (a) Name of Financial Assistance South Coast Regional Strategy (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to facilitate improved sustainability and profitability of enterprises in the South Coast region of Western Australia. This will be achieved by provision of grants to eligible farm business enterprises undertaking productivity enhancement in accordance with business plans including but not limited to activities such as: · on and off farm works and activities to achieve property improvement, enterprise diversification, property build up, and other productivity enhancing initiatives. · financial support to assist in meeting the costs associated with the provision of appropriate professional advice regarding the feasibility and development of alternative enterprises relevant to the South Coast region. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property within the defined region. · The applicant must prepare a Business Plan that identifies both long term profitability and sustainability of farm business enterprise. · Grants, up to $10,000 are provided to implement agreed activities within the business plan. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,462,622 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $30,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Resource Adjustment Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to: · assist landholders engaged in rural industry who have been adversely affected by a government objection to the clearing of remnant vegetation on their property · to establish ownership and management of that remnant vegetation in a manner which will maintain its condition in the long term for the benefit of rural industry and the wider community. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Those landholders in Western Australia who submitted a Notice of Intention to Clear Land between 17 May 1995 and the starting date of the Memorandum of Understanding for the Protection of Remnant Vegetation in the Agricultural region of Western Australia, and had an objection placed against their clearing by the Commissioner for Soil and Land Conservation; · The landholder(s) must register for the scheme prior to 1 January 1998; · The land must be zoned Rural; · If necessary, it must be practical to subdivide the remnant vegetation area into a separate location, in a manner supported by the WA Planning Commission and the appropriate local government authority; · The vegetation under consideration must be contiguous · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $16,888 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $150,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Progress Rural Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to invest and support agricultural industry projects and activities that will produce identifiable state, rural industry or regional benefits. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant can be a “farm business enterprise” or a “farmer group” or a “group of farmers” based in Western Australia, · Projects must demonstrate identifiable state wide, rural industry or regional benefits. · Application to be based on a suitable submission or business plan and proposal that clearly identifies how funding will assist the achievement of objectives of the applicant and the scheme. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $486,443 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $5,459 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Ovine Johne’s Disease De-Stocking Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to assist eligible property owners to defray part of the financial impact resulting from the de-stocking of all sheep and goats in order to maintain WA’s area free from this disease. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property. · The applicant must as at 1 January 2001, have been issued with an order under Regulation 18 of the Enzootic Disease Regulations 1970 requiring de-stocking of all sheep and goats from the property. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $135,000 (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii)Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 1 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to increase participation by Participants in learning activities which will enhance the profitability, competitiveness and sustainability of their farm business enterprises; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefits of continuous learning and skills development and their relevance to the changing management needs of a competitive farm sector; and · to enhance the capacity of Participants to identify and access appropriate learning activities and influence more flexible delivery of those activities. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 50% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closed for new applications on 30 June 2001. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $678,835 (ii) 2002-03 $nil. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
· Implementation of Business Plans: grants provided to farm business enterprises undertaking productivity enhancement measures in accordance with business plans. Grants also provided to farm business enterprises for on-farm works and activities to achieve property build up, to enable property amalgamation, property improvement, enterprise diversification and other productivity enhancing initiatives. · Identification and Development of Regionally Based Alternative Enterprises: financial support to assist in meeting the costs associated with initial planning and feasibility of alternative enterprises relevant to the Gascoyne Murchison region, grants to assist the implementation of alternative enterprises relevant to the Gascoyne Murchison region and support for enterprise adjustment through diversifying leases. · Voluntary Lease Adjustment: facilitation of the development of options for the restructuring of leases and broker the restructure and sale of leases and where appropriate provide funds to facilitate restructuring of leases and provision of funding to assist producers experiencing long-term business difficulties in assessing opportunities for structural and enterprise adjustment. · The scheme closes for new applications on 28 August 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in: (i) 2001-02 $966,907 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,648,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,772,000 (Includes $1.508m RBDC & $0.264m DAWA) (a) Name of Financial Assistance South Coast Regional Strategy (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to facilitate improved sustainability and profitability of enterprises in the South Coast region of Western Australia. This will be achieved by provision of grants to eligible farm business enterprises undertaking productivity enhancement in accordance with business plans including but not limited to activities such as: · on and off farm works and activities to achieve property improvement, enterprise diversification, property build up, and other productivity enhancing initiatives. · financial support to assist in meeting the costs associated with the provision of appropriate professional advice regarding the feasibility and development of alternative enterprises relevant to the South Coast region. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property within the defined region. · The applicant must prepare a Business Plan that identifies both long term profitability and sustainability of farm business enterprise. · Grants, up to $10,000 are provided to implement agreed activities within the business plan. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,462,622 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $30,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Resource Adjustment Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to: · assist landholders engaged in rural industry who have been adversely affected by a government objection to the clearing of remnant vegetation on their property · to establish ownership and management of that remnant vegetation in a manner which will maintain its condition in the long term for the benefit of rural industry and the wider community. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Those landholders in Western Australia who submitted a Notice of Intention to Clear Land between 17 May 1995 and the starting date of the Memorandum of Understanding for the Protection of Remnant Vegetation in the Agricultural region of Western Australia, and had an objection placed against their clearing by the Commissioner for Soil and Land Conservation; · The landholder(s) must register for the scheme prior to 1 January 1998; · The land must be zoned Rural; · If necessary, it must be practical to subdivide the remnant vegetation area into a separate location, in a manner supported by the WA Planning Commission and the appropriate local government authority; · The vegetation under consideration must be contiguous · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $16,888 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $150,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Progress Rural Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to invest and support agricultural industry projects and activities that will produce identifiable state, rural industry or regional benefits. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant can be a “farm business enterprise” or a “farmer group” or a “group of farmers” based in Western Australia, · Projects must demonstrate identifiable state wide, rural industry or regional benefits. · Application to be based on a suitable submission or business plan and proposal that clearly identifies how funding will assist the achievement of objectives of the applicant and the scheme. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $486,443 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $5,459 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Ovine Johne’s Disease De-Stocking Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to assist eligible property owners to defray part of the financial impact resulting from the de-stocking of all sheep and goats in order to maintain WA’s area free from this disease. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property. · The applicant must as at 1 January 2001, have been issued with an order under Regulation 18 of the Enzootic Disease Regulations 1970 requiring de-stocking of all sheep and goats from the property. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $135,000 (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii)Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 1 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to increase participation by Participants in learning activities which will enhance the profitability, competitiveness and sustainability of their farm business enterprises; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefits of continuous learning and skills development and their relevance to the changing management needs of a competitive farm sector; and · to enhance the capacity of Participants to identify and access appropriate learning activities and influence more flexible delivery of those activities. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 50% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closed for new applications on 30 June 2001. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $678,835 (ii) 2002-03 $nil. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(d) Actual Expenditure in: (i) 2001-02 $966,907 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,648,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,772,000 (Includes $1.508m RBDC & $0.264m DAWA) (a) Name of Financial Assistance South Coast Regional Strategy (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to facilitate improved sustainability and profitability of enterprises in the South Coast region of Western Australia. This will be achieved by provision of grants to eligible farm business enterprises undertaking productivity enhancement in accordance with business plans including but not limited to activities such as: · on and off farm works and activities to achieve property improvement, enterprise diversification, property build up, and other productivity enhancing initiatives. · financial support to assist in meeting the costs associated with the provision of appropriate professional advice regarding the feasibility and development of alternative enterprises relevant to the South Coast region. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property within the defined region. · The applicant must prepare a Business Plan that identifies both long term profitability and sustainability of farm business enterprise. · Grants, up to $10,000 are provided to implement agreed activities within the business plan. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,462,622 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $30,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Resource Adjustment Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to: · assist landholders engaged in rural industry who have been adversely affected by a government objection to the clearing of remnant vegetation on their property · to establish ownership and management of that remnant vegetation in a manner which will maintain its condition in the long term for the benefit of rural industry and the wider community. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Those landholders in Western Australia who submitted a Notice of Intention to Clear Land between 17 May 1995 and the starting date of the Memorandum of Understanding for the Protection of Remnant Vegetation in the Agricultural region of Western Australia, and had an objection placed against their clearing by the Commissioner for Soil and Land Conservation; · The landholder(s) must register for the scheme prior to 1 January 1998; · The land must be zoned Rural; · If necessary, it must be practical to subdivide the remnant vegetation area into a separate location, in a manner supported by the WA Planning Commission and the appropriate local government authority; · The vegetation under consideration must be contiguous · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $16,888 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $150,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Progress Rural Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to invest and support agricultural industry projects and activities that will produce identifiable state, rural industry or regional benefits. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant can be a “farm business enterprise” or a “farmer group” or a “group of farmers” based in Western Australia, · Projects must demonstrate identifiable state wide, rural industry or regional benefits. · Application to be based on a suitable submission or business plan and proposal that clearly identifies how funding will assist the achievement of objectives of the applicant and the scheme. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $486,443 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $5,459 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Ovine Johne’s Disease De-Stocking Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to assist eligible property owners to defray part of the financial impact resulting from the de-stocking of all sheep and goats in order to maintain WA’s area free from this disease. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property. · The applicant must as at 1 January 2001, have been issued with an order under Regulation 18 of the Enzootic Disease Regulations 1970 requiring de-stocking of all sheep and goats from the property. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $135,000 (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii)Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 1 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to increase participation by Participants in learning activities which will enhance the profitability, competitiveness and sustainability of their farm business enterprises; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefits of continuous learning and skills development and their relevance to the changing management needs of a competitive farm sector; and · to enhance the capacity of Participants to identify and access appropriate learning activities and influence more flexible delivery of those activities. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 50% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closed for new applications on 30 June 2001. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $678,835 (ii) 2002-03 $nil. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(i) 2001-02 $966,907 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,648,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,772,000 (Includes $1.508m RBDC & $0.264m DAWA) (a) Name of Financial Assistance South Coast Regional Strategy (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to facilitate improved sustainability and profitability of enterprises in the South Coast region of Western Australia. This will be achieved by provision of grants to eligible farm business enterprises undertaking productivity enhancement in accordance with business plans including but not limited to activities such as: · on and off farm works and activities to achieve property improvement, enterprise diversification, property build up, and other productivity enhancing initiatives. · financial support to assist in meeting the costs associated with the provision of appropriate professional advice regarding the feasibility and development of alternative enterprises relevant to the South Coast region. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property within the defined region. · The applicant must prepare a Business Plan that identifies both long term profitability and sustainability of farm business enterprise. · Grants, up to $10,000 are provided to implement agreed activities within the business plan. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,462,622 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $30,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Resource Adjustment Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to: · assist landholders engaged in rural industry who have been adversely affected by a government objection to the clearing of remnant vegetation on their property · to establish ownership and management of that remnant vegetation in a manner which will maintain its condition in the long term for the benefit of rural industry and the wider community. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Those landholders in Western Australia who submitted a Notice of Intention to Clear Land between 17 May 1995 and the starting date of the Memorandum of Understanding for the Protection of Remnant Vegetation in the Agricultural region of Western Australia, and had an objection placed against their clearing by the Commissioner for Soil and Land Conservation; · The landholder(s) must register for the scheme prior to 1 January 1998; · The land must be zoned Rural; · If necessary, it must be practical to subdivide the remnant vegetation area into a separate location, in a manner supported by the WA Planning Commission and the appropriate local government authority; · The vegetation under consideration must be contiguous · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $16,888 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $150,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Progress Rural Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to invest and support agricultural industry projects and activities that will produce identifiable state, rural industry or regional benefits. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant can be a “farm business enterprise” or a “farmer group” or a “group of farmers” based in Western Australia, · Projects must demonstrate identifiable state wide, rural industry or regional benefits. · Application to be based on a suitable submission or business plan and proposal that clearly identifies how funding will assist the achievement of objectives of the applicant and the scheme. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $486,443 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $5,459 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Ovine Johne’s Disease De-Stocking Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to assist eligible property owners to defray part of the financial impact resulting from the de-stocking of all sheep and goats in order to maintain WA’s area free from this disease. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property. · The applicant must as at 1 January 2001, have been issued with an order under Regulation 18 of the Enzootic Disease Regulations 1970 requiring de-stocking of all sheep and goats from the property. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $135,000 (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii)Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 1 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to increase participation by Participants in learning activities which will enhance the profitability, competitiveness and sustainability of their farm business enterprises; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefits of continuous learning and skills development and their relevance to the changing management needs of a competitive farm sector; and · to enhance the capacity of Participants to identify and access appropriate learning activities and influence more flexible delivery of those activities. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 50% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closed for new applications on 30 June 2001. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $678,835 (ii) 2002-03 $nil. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(a) Name of Financial Assistance South Coast Regional Strategy (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to facilitate improved sustainability and profitability of enterprises in the South Coast region of Western Australia. This will be achieved by provision of grants to eligible farm business enterprises undertaking productivity enhancement in accordance with business plans including but not limited to activities such as: · on and off farm works and activities to achieve property improvement, enterprise diversification, property build up, and other productivity enhancing initiatives. · financial support to assist in meeting the costs associated with the provision of appropriate professional advice regarding the feasibility and development of alternative enterprises relevant to the South Coast region. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property within the defined region. · The applicant must prepare a Business Plan that identifies both long term profitability and sustainability of farm business enterprise. · Grants, up to $10,000 are provided to implement agreed activities within the business plan. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,462,622 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $30,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Resource Adjustment Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to: · assist landholders engaged in rural industry who have been adversely affected by a government objection to the clearing of remnant vegetation on their property · to establish ownership and management of that remnant vegetation in a manner which will maintain its condition in the long term for the benefit of rural industry and the wider community. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Those landholders in Western Australia who submitted a Notice of Intention to Clear Land between 17 May 1995 and the starting date of the Memorandum of Understanding for the Protection of Remnant Vegetation in the Agricultural region of Western Australia, and had an objection placed against their clearing by the Commissioner for Soil and Land Conservation; · The landholder(s) must register for the scheme prior to 1 January 1998; · The land must be zoned Rural; · If necessary, it must be practical to subdivide the remnant vegetation area into a separate location, in a manner supported by the WA Planning Commission and the appropriate local government authority; · The vegetation under consideration must be contiguous · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $16,888 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $150,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Progress Rural Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to invest and support agricultural industry projects and activities that will produce identifiable state, rural industry or regional benefits. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant can be a “farm business enterprise” or a “farmer group” or a “group of farmers” based in Western Australia, · Projects must demonstrate identifiable state wide, rural industry or regional benefits. · Application to be based on a suitable submission or business plan and proposal that clearly identifies how funding will assist the achievement of objectives of the applicant and the scheme. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $486,443 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $5,459 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Ovine Johne’s Disease De-Stocking Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to assist eligible property owners to defray part of the financial impact resulting from the de-stocking of all sheep and goats in order to maintain WA’s area free from this disease. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property. · The applicant must as at 1 January 2001, have been issued with an order under Regulation 18 of the Enzootic Disease Regulations 1970 requiring de-stocking of all sheep and goats from the property. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $135,000 (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii)Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 1 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to increase participation by Participants in learning activities which will enhance the profitability, competitiveness and sustainability of their farm business enterprises; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefits of continuous learning and skills development and their relevance to the changing management needs of a competitive farm sector; and · to enhance the capacity of Participants to identify and access appropriate learning activities and influence more flexible delivery of those activities. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 50% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closed for new applications on 30 June 2001. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $678,835 (ii) 2002-03 $nil. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
South Coast Regional Strategy (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to facilitate improved sustainability and profitability of enterprises in the South Coast region of Western Australia. This will be achieved by provision of grants to eligible farm business enterprises undertaking productivity enhancement in accordance with business plans including but not limited to activities such as: · on and off farm works and activities to achieve property improvement, enterprise diversification, property build up, and other productivity enhancing initiatives. · financial support to assist in meeting the costs associated with the provision of appropriate professional advice regarding the feasibility and development of alternative enterprises relevant to the South Coast region. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property within the defined region. · The applicant must prepare a Business Plan that identifies both long term profitability and sustainability of farm business enterprise. · Grants, up to $10,000 are provided to implement agreed activities within the business plan. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,462,622 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $30,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Resource Adjustment Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to: · assist landholders engaged in rural industry who have been adversely affected by a government objection to the clearing of remnant vegetation on their property · to establish ownership and management of that remnant vegetation in a manner which will maintain its condition in the long term for the benefit of rural industry and the wider community. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Those landholders in Western Australia who submitted a Notice of Intention to Clear Land between 17 May 1995 and the starting date of the Memorandum of Understanding for the Protection of Remnant Vegetation in the Agricultural region of Western Australia, and had an objection placed against their clearing by the Commissioner for Soil and Land Conservation; · The landholder(s) must register for the scheme prior to 1 January 1998; · The land must be zoned Rural; · If necessary, it must be practical to subdivide the remnant vegetation area into a separate location, in a manner supported by the WA Planning Commission and the appropriate local government authority; · The vegetation under consideration must be contiguous · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $16,888 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $150,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Progress Rural Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to invest and support agricultural industry projects and activities that will produce identifiable state, rural industry or regional benefits. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant can be a “farm business enterprise” or a “farmer group” or a “group of farmers” based in Western Australia, · Projects must demonstrate identifiable state wide, rural industry or regional benefits. · Application to be based on a suitable submission or business plan and proposal that clearly identifies how funding will assist the achievement of objectives of the applicant and the scheme. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $486,443 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $5,459 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Ovine Johne’s Disease De-Stocking Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to assist eligible property owners to defray part of the financial impact resulting from the de-stocking of all sheep and goats in order to maintain WA’s area free from this disease. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property. · The applicant must as at 1 January 2001, have been issued with an order under Regulation 18 of the Enzootic Disease Regulations 1970 requiring de-stocking of all sheep and goats from the property. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $135,000 (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii)Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 1 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to increase participation by Participants in learning activities which will enhance the profitability, competitiveness and sustainability of their farm business enterprises; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefits of continuous learning and skills development and their relevance to the changing management needs of a competitive farm sector; and · to enhance the capacity of Participants to identify and access appropriate learning activities and influence more flexible delivery of those activities. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 50% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closed for new applications on 30 June 2001. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $678,835 (ii) 2002-03 $nil. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to facilitate improved sustainability and profitability of enterprises in the South Coast region of Western Australia. This will be achieved by provision of grants to eligible farm business enterprises undertaking productivity enhancement in accordance with business plans including but not limited to activities such as: · on and off farm works and activities to achieve property improvement, enterprise diversification, property build up, and other productivity enhancing initiatives. · financial support to assist in meeting the costs associated with the provision of appropriate professional advice regarding the feasibility and development of alternative enterprises relevant to the South Coast region. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property within the defined region. · The applicant must prepare a Business Plan that identifies both long term profitability and sustainability of farm business enterprise. · Grants, up to $10,000 are provided to implement agreed activities within the business plan. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,462,622 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $30,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Resource Adjustment Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to: · assist landholders engaged in rural industry who have been adversely affected by a government objection to the clearing of remnant vegetation on their property · to establish ownership and management of that remnant vegetation in a manner which will maintain its condition in the long term for the benefit of rural industry and the wider community. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Those landholders in Western Australia who submitted a Notice of Intention to Clear Land between 17 May 1995 and the starting date of the Memorandum of Understanding for the Protection of Remnant Vegetation in the Agricultural region of Western Australia, and had an objection placed against their clearing by the Commissioner for Soil and Land Conservation; · The landholder(s) must register for the scheme prior to 1 January 1998; · The land must be zoned Rural; · If necessary, it must be practical to subdivide the remnant vegetation area into a separate location, in a manner supported by the WA Planning Commission and the appropriate local government authority; · The vegetation under consideration must be contiguous · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $16,888 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $150,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Progress Rural Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to invest and support agricultural industry projects and activities that will produce identifiable state, rural industry or regional benefits. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant can be a “farm business enterprise” or a “farmer group” or a “group of farmers” based in Western Australia, · Projects must demonstrate identifiable state wide, rural industry or regional benefits. · Application to be based on a suitable submission or business plan and proposal that clearly identifies how funding will assist the achievement of objectives of the applicant and the scheme. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $486,443 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $5,459 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Ovine Johne’s Disease De-Stocking Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to assist eligible property owners to defray part of the financial impact resulting from the de-stocking of all sheep and goats in order to maintain WA’s area free from this disease. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property. · The applicant must as at 1 January 2001, have been issued with an order under Regulation 18 of the Enzootic Disease Regulations 1970 requiring de-stocking of all sheep and goats from the property. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $135,000 (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii)Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 1 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to increase participation by Participants in learning activities which will enhance the profitability, competitiveness and sustainability of their farm business enterprises; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefits of continuous learning and skills development and their relevance to the changing management needs of a competitive farm sector; and · to enhance the capacity of Participants to identify and access appropriate learning activities and influence more flexible delivery of those activities. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 50% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closed for new applications on 30 June 2001. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $678,835 (ii) 2002-03 $nil. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
The purpose of the scheme is to facilitate improved sustainability and profitability of enterprises in the South Coast region of Western Australia. This will be achieved by provision of grants to eligible farm business enterprises undertaking productivity enhancement in accordance with business plans including but not limited to activities such as: · on and off farm works and activities to achieve property improvement, enterprise diversification, property build up, and other productivity enhancing initiatives. · financial support to assist in meeting the costs associated with the provision of appropriate professional advice regarding the feasibility and development of alternative enterprises relevant to the South Coast region. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property within the defined region. · The applicant must prepare a Business Plan that identifies both long term profitability and sustainability of farm business enterprise. · Grants, up to $10,000 are provided to implement agreed activities within the business plan. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,462,622 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $30,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Resource Adjustment Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to: · assist landholders engaged in rural industry who have been adversely affected by a government objection to the clearing of remnant vegetation on their property · to establish ownership and management of that remnant vegetation in a manner which will maintain its condition in the long term for the benefit of rural industry and the wider community. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Those landholders in Western Australia who submitted a Notice of Intention to Clear Land between 17 May 1995 and the starting date of the Memorandum of Understanding for the Protection of Remnant Vegetation in the Agricultural region of Western Australia, and had an objection placed against their clearing by the Commissioner for Soil and Land Conservation; · The landholder(s) must register for the scheme prior to 1 January 1998; · The land must be zoned Rural; · If necessary, it must be practical to subdivide the remnant vegetation area into a separate location, in a manner supported by the WA Planning Commission and the appropriate local government authority; · The vegetation under consideration must be contiguous · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $16,888 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $150,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Progress Rural Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to invest and support agricultural industry projects and activities that will produce identifiable state, rural industry or regional benefits. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant can be a “farm business enterprise” or a “farmer group” or a “group of farmers” based in Western Australia, · Projects must demonstrate identifiable state wide, rural industry or regional benefits. · Application to be based on a suitable submission or business plan and proposal that clearly identifies how funding will assist the achievement of objectives of the applicant and the scheme. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $486,443 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $5,459 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Ovine Johne’s Disease De-Stocking Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to assist eligible property owners to defray part of the financial impact resulting from the de-stocking of all sheep and goats in order to maintain WA’s area free from this disease. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property. · The applicant must as at 1 January 2001, have been issued with an order under Regulation 18 of the Enzootic Disease Regulations 1970 requiring de-stocking of all sheep and goats from the property. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $135,000 (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii)Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 1 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to increase participation by Participants in learning activities which will enhance the profitability, competitiveness and sustainability of their farm business enterprises; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefits of continuous learning and skills development and their relevance to the changing management needs of a competitive farm sector; and · to enhance the capacity of Participants to identify and access appropriate learning activities and influence more flexible delivery of those activities. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 50% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closed for new applications on 30 June 2001. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $678,835 (ii) 2002-03 $nil. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
· on and off farm works and activities to achieve property improvement, enterprise diversification, property build up, and other productivity enhancing initiatives. · financial support to assist in meeting the costs associated with the provision of appropriate professional advice regarding the feasibility and development of alternative enterprises relevant to the South Coast region. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property within the defined region. · The applicant must prepare a Business Plan that identifies both long term profitability and sustainability of farm business enterprise. · Grants, up to $10,000 are provided to implement agreed activities within the business plan. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,462,622 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $30,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Resource Adjustment Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to: · assist landholders engaged in rural industry who have been adversely affected by a government objection to the clearing of remnant vegetation on their property · to establish ownership and management of that remnant vegetation in a manner which will maintain its condition in the long term for the benefit of rural industry and the wider community. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Those landholders in Western Australia who submitted a Notice of Intention to Clear Land between 17 May 1995 and the starting date of the Memorandum of Understanding for the Protection of Remnant Vegetation in the Agricultural region of Western Australia, and had an objection placed against their clearing by the Commissioner for Soil and Land Conservation; · The landholder(s) must register for the scheme prior to 1 January 1998; · The land must be zoned Rural; · If necessary, it must be practical to subdivide the remnant vegetation area into a separate location, in a manner supported by the WA Planning Commission and the appropriate local government authority; · The vegetation under consideration must be contiguous · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $16,888 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $150,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Progress Rural Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to invest and support agricultural industry projects and activities that will produce identifiable state, rural industry or regional benefits. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant can be a “farm business enterprise” or a “farmer group” or a “group of farmers” based in Western Australia, · Projects must demonstrate identifiable state wide, rural industry or regional benefits. · Application to be based on a suitable submission or business plan and proposal that clearly identifies how funding will assist the achievement of objectives of the applicant and the scheme. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $486,443 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $5,459 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Ovine Johne’s Disease De-Stocking Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to assist eligible property owners to defray part of the financial impact resulting from the de-stocking of all sheep and goats in order to maintain WA’s area free from this disease. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property. · The applicant must as at 1 January 2001, have been issued with an order under Regulation 18 of the Enzootic Disease Regulations 1970 requiring de-stocking of all sheep and goats from the property. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $135,000 (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii)Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 1 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to increase participation by Participants in learning activities which will enhance the profitability, competitiveness and sustainability of their farm business enterprises; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefits of continuous learning and skills development and their relevance to the changing management needs of a competitive farm sector; and · to enhance the capacity of Participants to identify and access appropriate learning activities and influence more flexible delivery of those activities. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 50% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closed for new applications on 30 June 2001. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $678,835 (ii) 2002-03 $nil. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property within the defined region. · The applicant must prepare a Business Plan that identifies both long term profitability and sustainability of farm business enterprise. · Grants, up to $10,000 are provided to implement agreed activities within the business plan. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,462,622 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $30,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Resource Adjustment Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to: · assist landholders engaged in rural industry who have been adversely affected by a government objection to the clearing of remnant vegetation on their property · to establish ownership and management of that remnant vegetation in a manner which will maintain its condition in the long term for the benefit of rural industry and the wider community. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Those landholders in Western Australia who submitted a Notice of Intention to Clear Land between 17 May 1995 and the starting date of the Memorandum of Understanding for the Protection of Remnant Vegetation in the Agricultural region of Western Australia, and had an objection placed against their clearing by the Commissioner for Soil and Land Conservation; · The landholder(s) must register for the scheme prior to 1 January 1998; · The land must be zoned Rural; · If necessary, it must be practical to subdivide the remnant vegetation area into a separate location, in a manner supported by the WA Planning Commission and the appropriate local government authority; · The vegetation under consideration must be contiguous · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $16,888 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $150,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Progress Rural Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to invest and support agricultural industry projects and activities that will produce identifiable state, rural industry or regional benefits. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant can be a “farm business enterprise” or a “farmer group” or a “group of farmers” based in Western Australia, · Projects must demonstrate identifiable state wide, rural industry or regional benefits. · Application to be based on a suitable submission or business plan and proposal that clearly identifies how funding will assist the achievement of objectives of the applicant and the scheme. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $486,443 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $5,459 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Ovine Johne’s Disease De-Stocking Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to assist eligible property owners to defray part of the financial impact resulting from the de-stocking of all sheep and goats in order to maintain WA’s area free from this disease. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property. · The applicant must as at 1 January 2001, have been issued with an order under Regulation 18 of the Enzootic Disease Regulations 1970 requiring de-stocking of all sheep and goats from the property. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $135,000 (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii)Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 1 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to increase participation by Participants in learning activities which will enhance the profitability, competitiveness and sustainability of their farm business enterprises; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefits of continuous learning and skills development and their relevance to the changing management needs of a competitive farm sector; and · to enhance the capacity of Participants to identify and access appropriate learning activities and influence more flexible delivery of those activities. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 50% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closed for new applications on 30 June 2001. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $678,835 (ii) 2002-03 $nil. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property within the defined region. · The applicant must prepare a Business Plan that identifies both long term profitability and sustainability of farm business enterprise. · Grants, up to $10,000 are provided to implement agreed activities within the business plan. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,462,622 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $30,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Resource Adjustment Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to: · assist landholders engaged in rural industry who have been adversely affected by a government objection to the clearing of remnant vegetation on their property · to establish ownership and management of that remnant vegetation in a manner which will maintain its condition in the long term for the benefit of rural industry and the wider community. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Those landholders in Western Australia who submitted a Notice of Intention to Clear Land between 17 May 1995 and the starting date of the Memorandum of Understanding for the Protection of Remnant Vegetation in the Agricultural region of Western Australia, and had an objection placed against their clearing by the Commissioner for Soil and Land Conservation; · The landholder(s) must register for the scheme prior to 1 January 1998; · The land must be zoned Rural; · If necessary, it must be practical to subdivide the remnant vegetation area into a separate location, in a manner supported by the WA Planning Commission and the appropriate local government authority; · The vegetation under consideration must be contiguous · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $16,888 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $150,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Progress Rural Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to invest and support agricultural industry projects and activities that will produce identifiable state, rural industry or regional benefits. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant can be a “farm business enterprise” or a “farmer group” or a “group of farmers” based in Western Australia, · Projects must demonstrate identifiable state wide, rural industry or regional benefits. · Application to be based on a suitable submission or business plan and proposal that clearly identifies how funding will assist the achievement of objectives of the applicant and the scheme. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $486,443 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $5,459 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Ovine Johne’s Disease De-Stocking Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to assist eligible property owners to defray part of the financial impact resulting from the de-stocking of all sheep and goats in order to maintain WA’s area free from this disease. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property. · The applicant must as at 1 January 2001, have been issued with an order under Regulation 18 of the Enzootic Disease Regulations 1970 requiring de-stocking of all sheep and goats from the property. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $135,000 (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii)Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 1 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to increase participation by Participants in learning activities which will enhance the profitability, competitiveness and sustainability of their farm business enterprises; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefits of continuous learning and skills development and their relevance to the changing management needs of a competitive farm sector; and · to enhance the capacity of Participants to identify and access appropriate learning activities and influence more flexible delivery of those activities. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 50% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closed for new applications on 30 June 2001. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $678,835 (ii) 2002-03 $nil. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
· The applicant must own and operate a commercial property within the defined region. · The applicant must prepare a Business Plan that identifies both long term profitability and sustainability of farm business enterprise. · Grants, up to $10,000 are provided to implement agreed activities within the business plan. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,462,622 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $30,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Resource Adjustment Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to: · assist landholders engaged in rural industry who have been adversely affected by a government objection to the clearing of remnant vegetation on their property · to establish ownership and management of that remnant vegetation in a manner which will maintain its condition in the long term for the benefit of rural industry and the wider community. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Those landholders in Western Australia who submitted a Notice of Intention to Clear Land between 17 May 1995 and the starting date of the Memorandum of Understanding for the Protection of Remnant Vegetation in the Agricultural region of Western Australia, and had an objection placed against their clearing by the Commissioner for Soil and Land Conservation; · The landholder(s) must register for the scheme prior to 1 January 1998; · The land must be zoned Rural; · If necessary, it must be practical to subdivide the remnant vegetation area into a separate location, in a manner supported by the WA Planning Commission and the appropriate local government authority; · The vegetation under consideration must be contiguous · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $16,888 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $150,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Progress Rural Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to invest and support agricultural industry projects and activities that will produce identifiable state, rural industry or regional benefits. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant can be a “farm business enterprise” or a “farmer group” or a “group of farmers” based in Western Australia, · Projects must demonstrate identifiable state wide, rural industry or regional benefits. · Application to be based on a suitable submission or business plan and proposal that clearly identifies how funding will assist the achievement of objectives of the applicant and the scheme. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $486,443 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $5,459 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Ovine Johne’s Disease De-Stocking Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to assist eligible property owners to defray part of the financial impact resulting from the de-stocking of all sheep and goats in order to maintain WA’s area free from this disease. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property. · The applicant must as at 1 January 2001, have been issued with an order under Regulation 18 of the Enzootic Disease Regulations 1970 requiring de-stocking of all sheep and goats from the property. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $135,000 (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii)Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 1 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to increase participation by Participants in learning activities which will enhance the profitability, competitiveness and sustainability of their farm business enterprises; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefits of continuous learning and skills development and their relevance to the changing management needs of a competitive farm sector; and · to enhance the capacity of Participants to identify and access appropriate learning activities and influence more flexible delivery of those activities. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 50% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closed for new applications on 30 June 2001. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $678,835 (ii) 2002-03 $nil. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,462,622 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $30,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Resource Adjustment Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to: · assist landholders engaged in rural industry who have been adversely affected by a government objection to the clearing of remnant vegetation on their property · to establish ownership and management of that remnant vegetation in a manner which will maintain its condition in the long term for the benefit of rural industry and the wider community. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Those landholders in Western Australia who submitted a Notice of Intention to Clear Land between 17 May 1995 and the starting date of the Memorandum of Understanding for the Protection of Remnant Vegetation in the Agricultural region of Western Australia, and had an objection placed against their clearing by the Commissioner for Soil and Land Conservation; · The landholder(s) must register for the scheme prior to 1 January 1998; · The land must be zoned Rural; · If necessary, it must be practical to subdivide the remnant vegetation area into a separate location, in a manner supported by the WA Planning Commission and the appropriate local government authority; · The vegetation under consideration must be contiguous · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $16,888 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $150,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Progress Rural Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to invest and support agricultural industry projects and activities that will produce identifiable state, rural industry or regional benefits. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant can be a “farm business enterprise” or a “farmer group” or a “group of farmers” based in Western Australia, · Projects must demonstrate identifiable state wide, rural industry or regional benefits. · Application to be based on a suitable submission or business plan and proposal that clearly identifies how funding will assist the achievement of objectives of the applicant and the scheme. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $486,443 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $5,459 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Ovine Johne’s Disease De-Stocking Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to assist eligible property owners to defray part of the financial impact resulting from the de-stocking of all sheep and goats in order to maintain WA’s area free from this disease. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property. · The applicant must as at 1 January 2001, have been issued with an order under Regulation 18 of the Enzootic Disease Regulations 1970 requiring de-stocking of all sheep and goats from the property. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $135,000 (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii)Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 1 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to increase participation by Participants in learning activities which will enhance the profitability, competitiveness and sustainability of their farm business enterprises; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefits of continuous learning and skills development and their relevance to the changing management needs of a competitive farm sector; and · to enhance the capacity of Participants to identify and access appropriate learning activities and influence more flexible delivery of those activities. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 50% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closed for new applications on 30 June 2001. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $678,835 (ii) 2002-03 $nil. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(i) 2001-02 $1,462,622 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $30,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Resource Adjustment Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to: · assist landholders engaged in rural industry who have been adversely affected by a government objection to the clearing of remnant vegetation on their property · to establish ownership and management of that remnant vegetation in a manner which will maintain its condition in the long term for the benefit of rural industry and the wider community. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Those landholders in Western Australia who submitted a Notice of Intention to Clear Land between 17 May 1995 and the starting date of the Memorandum of Understanding for the Protection of Remnant Vegetation in the Agricultural region of Western Australia, and had an objection placed against their clearing by the Commissioner for Soil and Land Conservation; · The landholder(s) must register for the scheme prior to 1 January 1998; · The land must be zoned Rural; · If necessary, it must be practical to subdivide the remnant vegetation area into a separate location, in a manner supported by the WA Planning Commission and the appropriate local government authority; · The vegetation under consideration must be contiguous · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $16,888 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $150,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Progress Rural Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to invest and support agricultural industry projects and activities that will produce identifiable state, rural industry or regional benefits. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant can be a “farm business enterprise” or a “farmer group” or a “group of farmers” based in Western Australia, · Projects must demonstrate identifiable state wide, rural industry or regional benefits. · Application to be based on a suitable submission or business plan and proposal that clearly identifies how funding will assist the achievement of objectives of the applicant and the scheme. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $486,443 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $5,459 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Ovine Johne’s Disease De-Stocking Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to assist eligible property owners to defray part of the financial impact resulting from the de-stocking of all sheep and goats in order to maintain WA’s area free from this disease. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property. · The applicant must as at 1 January 2001, have been issued with an order under Regulation 18 of the Enzootic Disease Regulations 1970 requiring de-stocking of all sheep and goats from the property. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $135,000 (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii)Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 1 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to increase participation by Participants in learning activities which will enhance the profitability, competitiveness and sustainability of their farm business enterprises; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefits of continuous learning and skills development and their relevance to the changing management needs of a competitive farm sector; and · to enhance the capacity of Participants to identify and access appropriate learning activities and influence more flexible delivery of those activities. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 50% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closed for new applications on 30 June 2001. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $678,835 (ii) 2002-03 $nil. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Resource Adjustment Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to: · assist landholders engaged in rural industry who have been adversely affected by a government objection to the clearing of remnant vegetation on their property · to establish ownership and management of that remnant vegetation in a manner which will maintain its condition in the long term for the benefit of rural industry and the wider community. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Those landholders in Western Australia who submitted a Notice of Intention to Clear Land between 17 May 1995 and the starting date of the Memorandum of Understanding for the Protection of Remnant Vegetation in the Agricultural region of Western Australia, and had an objection placed against their clearing by the Commissioner for Soil and Land Conservation; · The landholder(s) must register for the scheme prior to 1 January 1998; · The land must be zoned Rural; · If necessary, it must be practical to subdivide the remnant vegetation area into a separate location, in a manner supported by the WA Planning Commission and the appropriate local government authority; · The vegetation under consideration must be contiguous · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $16,888 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $150,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Progress Rural Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to invest and support agricultural industry projects and activities that will produce identifiable state, rural industry or regional benefits. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant can be a “farm business enterprise” or a “farmer group” or a “group of farmers” based in Western Australia, · Projects must demonstrate identifiable state wide, rural industry or regional benefits. · Application to be based on a suitable submission or business plan and proposal that clearly identifies how funding will assist the achievement of objectives of the applicant and the scheme. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $486,443 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $5,459 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Ovine Johne’s Disease De-Stocking Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to assist eligible property owners to defray part of the financial impact resulting from the de-stocking of all sheep and goats in order to maintain WA’s area free from this disease. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property. · The applicant must as at 1 January 2001, have been issued with an order under Regulation 18 of the Enzootic Disease Regulations 1970 requiring de-stocking of all sheep and goats from the property. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $135,000 (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii)Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 1 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to increase participation by Participants in learning activities which will enhance the profitability, competitiveness and sustainability of their farm business enterprises; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefits of continuous learning and skills development and their relevance to the changing management needs of a competitive farm sector; and · to enhance the capacity of Participants to identify and access appropriate learning activities and influence more flexible delivery of those activities. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 50% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closed for new applications on 30 June 2001. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $678,835 (ii) 2002-03 $nil. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
Natural Resource Adjustment Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to: · assist landholders engaged in rural industry who have been adversely affected by a government objection to the clearing of remnant vegetation on their property · to establish ownership and management of that remnant vegetation in a manner which will maintain its condition in the long term for the benefit of rural industry and the wider community. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Those landholders in Western Australia who submitted a Notice of Intention to Clear Land between 17 May 1995 and the starting date of the Memorandum of Understanding for the Protection of Remnant Vegetation in the Agricultural region of Western Australia, and had an objection placed against their clearing by the Commissioner for Soil and Land Conservation; · The landholder(s) must register for the scheme prior to 1 January 1998; · The land must be zoned Rural; · If necessary, it must be practical to subdivide the remnant vegetation area into a separate location, in a manner supported by the WA Planning Commission and the appropriate local government authority; · The vegetation under consideration must be contiguous · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $16,888 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $150,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Progress Rural Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to invest and support agricultural industry projects and activities that will produce identifiable state, rural industry or regional benefits. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant can be a “farm business enterprise” or a “farmer group” or a “group of farmers” based in Western Australia, · Projects must demonstrate identifiable state wide, rural industry or regional benefits. · Application to be based on a suitable submission or business plan and proposal that clearly identifies how funding will assist the achievement of objectives of the applicant and the scheme. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $486,443 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $5,459 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Ovine Johne’s Disease De-Stocking Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to assist eligible property owners to defray part of the financial impact resulting from the de-stocking of all sheep and goats in order to maintain WA’s area free from this disease. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property. · The applicant must as at 1 January 2001, have been issued with an order under Regulation 18 of the Enzootic Disease Regulations 1970 requiring de-stocking of all sheep and goats from the property. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $135,000 (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii)Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 1 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to increase participation by Participants in learning activities which will enhance the profitability, competitiveness and sustainability of their farm business enterprises; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefits of continuous learning and skills development and their relevance to the changing management needs of a competitive farm sector; and · to enhance the capacity of Participants to identify and access appropriate learning activities and influence more flexible delivery of those activities. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 50% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closed for new applications on 30 June 2001. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $678,835 (ii) 2002-03 $nil. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to: · assist landholders engaged in rural industry who have been adversely affected by a government objection to the clearing of remnant vegetation on their property · to establish ownership and management of that remnant vegetation in a manner which will maintain its condition in the long term for the benefit of rural industry and the wider community. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Those landholders in Western Australia who submitted a Notice of Intention to Clear Land between 17 May 1995 and the starting date of the Memorandum of Understanding for the Protection of Remnant Vegetation in the Agricultural region of Western Australia, and had an objection placed against their clearing by the Commissioner for Soil and Land Conservation; · The landholder(s) must register for the scheme prior to 1 January 1998; · The land must be zoned Rural; · If necessary, it must be practical to subdivide the remnant vegetation area into a separate location, in a manner supported by the WA Planning Commission and the appropriate local government authority; · The vegetation under consideration must be contiguous · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $16,888 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $150,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Progress Rural Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to invest and support agricultural industry projects and activities that will produce identifiable state, rural industry or regional benefits. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant can be a “farm business enterprise” or a “farmer group” or a “group of farmers” based in Western Australia, · Projects must demonstrate identifiable state wide, rural industry or regional benefits. · Application to be based on a suitable submission or business plan and proposal that clearly identifies how funding will assist the achievement of objectives of the applicant and the scheme. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $486,443 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $5,459 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Ovine Johne’s Disease De-Stocking Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to assist eligible property owners to defray part of the financial impact resulting from the de-stocking of all sheep and goats in order to maintain WA’s area free from this disease. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property. · The applicant must as at 1 January 2001, have been issued with an order under Regulation 18 of the Enzootic Disease Regulations 1970 requiring de-stocking of all sheep and goats from the property. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $135,000 (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii)Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 1 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to increase participation by Participants in learning activities which will enhance the profitability, competitiveness and sustainability of their farm business enterprises; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefits of continuous learning and skills development and their relevance to the changing management needs of a competitive farm sector; and · to enhance the capacity of Participants to identify and access appropriate learning activities and influence more flexible delivery of those activities. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 50% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closed for new applications on 30 June 2001. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $678,835 (ii) 2002-03 $nil. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
The purpose of the scheme is to: · assist landholders engaged in rural industry who have been adversely affected by a government objection to the clearing of remnant vegetation on their property · to establish ownership and management of that remnant vegetation in a manner which will maintain its condition in the long term for the benefit of rural industry and the wider community. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Those landholders in Western Australia who submitted a Notice of Intention to Clear Land between 17 May 1995 and the starting date of the Memorandum of Understanding for the Protection of Remnant Vegetation in the Agricultural region of Western Australia, and had an objection placed against their clearing by the Commissioner for Soil and Land Conservation; · The landholder(s) must register for the scheme prior to 1 January 1998; · The land must be zoned Rural; · If necessary, it must be practical to subdivide the remnant vegetation area into a separate location, in a manner supported by the WA Planning Commission and the appropriate local government authority; · The vegetation under consideration must be contiguous · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $16,888 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $150,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Progress Rural Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to invest and support agricultural industry projects and activities that will produce identifiable state, rural industry or regional benefits. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant can be a “farm business enterprise” or a “farmer group” or a “group of farmers” based in Western Australia, · Projects must demonstrate identifiable state wide, rural industry or regional benefits. · Application to be based on a suitable submission or business plan and proposal that clearly identifies how funding will assist the achievement of objectives of the applicant and the scheme. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $486,443 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $5,459 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Ovine Johne’s Disease De-Stocking Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to assist eligible property owners to defray part of the financial impact resulting from the de-stocking of all sheep and goats in order to maintain WA’s area free from this disease. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property. · The applicant must as at 1 January 2001, have been issued with an order under Regulation 18 of the Enzootic Disease Regulations 1970 requiring de-stocking of all sheep and goats from the property. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $135,000 (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii)Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 1 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to increase participation by Participants in learning activities which will enhance the profitability, competitiveness and sustainability of their farm business enterprises; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefits of continuous learning and skills development and their relevance to the changing management needs of a competitive farm sector; and · to enhance the capacity of Participants to identify and access appropriate learning activities and influence more flexible delivery of those activities. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 50% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closed for new applications on 30 June 2001. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $678,835 (ii) 2002-03 $nil. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Those landholders in Western Australia who submitted a Notice of Intention to Clear Land between 17 May 1995 and the starting date of the Memorandum of Understanding for the Protection of Remnant Vegetation in the Agricultural region of Western Australia, and had an objection placed against their clearing by the Commissioner for Soil and Land Conservation; · The landholder(s) must register for the scheme prior to 1 January 1998; · The land must be zoned Rural; · If necessary, it must be practical to subdivide the remnant vegetation area into a separate location, in a manner supported by the WA Planning Commission and the appropriate local government authority; · The vegetation under consideration must be contiguous · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $16,888 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $150,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Progress Rural Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to invest and support agricultural industry projects and activities that will produce identifiable state, rural industry or regional benefits. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant can be a “farm business enterprise” or a “farmer group” or a “group of farmers” based in Western Australia, · Projects must demonstrate identifiable state wide, rural industry or regional benefits. · Application to be based on a suitable submission or business plan and proposal that clearly identifies how funding will assist the achievement of objectives of the applicant and the scheme. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $486,443 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $5,459 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Ovine Johne’s Disease De-Stocking Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to assist eligible property owners to defray part of the financial impact resulting from the de-stocking of all sheep and goats in order to maintain WA’s area free from this disease. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property. · The applicant must as at 1 January 2001, have been issued with an order under Regulation 18 of the Enzootic Disease Regulations 1970 requiring de-stocking of all sheep and goats from the property. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $135,000 (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii)Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 1 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to increase participation by Participants in learning activities which will enhance the profitability, competitiveness and sustainability of their farm business enterprises; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefits of continuous learning and skills development and their relevance to the changing management needs of a competitive farm sector; and · to enhance the capacity of Participants to identify and access appropriate learning activities and influence more flexible delivery of those activities. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 50% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closed for new applications on 30 June 2001. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $678,835 (ii) 2002-03 $nil. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Those landholders in Western Australia who submitted a Notice of Intention to Clear Land between 17 May 1995 and the starting date of the Memorandum of Understanding for the Protection of Remnant Vegetation in the Agricultural region of Western Australia, and had an objection placed against their clearing by the Commissioner for Soil and Land Conservation; · The landholder(s) must register for the scheme prior to 1 January 1998; · The land must be zoned Rural; · If necessary, it must be practical to subdivide the remnant vegetation area into a separate location, in a manner supported by the WA Planning Commission and the appropriate local government authority; · The vegetation under consideration must be contiguous · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $16,888 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $150,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Progress Rural Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to invest and support agricultural industry projects and activities that will produce identifiable state, rural industry or regional benefits. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant can be a “farm business enterprise” or a “farmer group” or a “group of farmers” based in Western Australia, · Projects must demonstrate identifiable state wide, rural industry or regional benefits. · Application to be based on a suitable submission or business plan and proposal that clearly identifies how funding will assist the achievement of objectives of the applicant and the scheme. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $486,443 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $5,459 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Ovine Johne’s Disease De-Stocking Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to assist eligible property owners to defray part of the financial impact resulting from the de-stocking of all sheep and goats in order to maintain WA’s area free from this disease. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property. · The applicant must as at 1 January 2001, have been issued with an order under Regulation 18 of the Enzootic Disease Regulations 1970 requiring de-stocking of all sheep and goats from the property. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $135,000 (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii)Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 1 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to increase participation by Participants in learning activities which will enhance the profitability, competitiveness and sustainability of their farm business enterprises; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefits of continuous learning and skills development and their relevance to the changing management needs of a competitive farm sector; and · to enhance the capacity of Participants to identify and access appropriate learning activities and influence more flexible delivery of those activities. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 50% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closed for new applications on 30 June 2001. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $678,835 (ii) 2002-03 $nil. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
· Those landholders in Western Australia who submitted a Notice of Intention to Clear Land between 17 May 1995 and the starting date of the Memorandum of Understanding for the Protection of Remnant Vegetation in the Agricultural region of Western Australia, and had an objection placed against their clearing by the Commissioner for Soil and Land Conservation; · The landholder(s) must register for the scheme prior to 1 January 1998; · The land must be zoned Rural; · If necessary, it must be practical to subdivide the remnant vegetation area into a separate location, in a manner supported by the WA Planning Commission and the appropriate local government authority; · The vegetation under consideration must be contiguous · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $16,888 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $150,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Progress Rural Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to invest and support agricultural industry projects and activities that will produce identifiable state, rural industry or regional benefits. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant can be a “farm business enterprise” or a “farmer group” or a “group of farmers” based in Western Australia, · Projects must demonstrate identifiable state wide, rural industry or regional benefits. · Application to be based on a suitable submission or business plan and proposal that clearly identifies how funding will assist the achievement of objectives of the applicant and the scheme. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $486,443 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $5,459 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Ovine Johne’s Disease De-Stocking Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to assist eligible property owners to defray part of the financial impact resulting from the de-stocking of all sheep and goats in order to maintain WA’s area free from this disease. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property. · The applicant must as at 1 January 2001, have been issued with an order under Regulation 18 of the Enzootic Disease Regulations 1970 requiring de-stocking of all sheep and goats from the property. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $135,000 (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii)Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 1 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to increase participation by Participants in learning activities which will enhance the profitability, competitiveness and sustainability of their farm business enterprises; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefits of continuous learning and skills development and their relevance to the changing management needs of a competitive farm sector; and · to enhance the capacity of Participants to identify and access appropriate learning activities and influence more flexible delivery of those activities. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 50% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closed for new applications on 30 June 2001. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $678,835 (ii) 2002-03 $nil. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $16,888 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $150,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Progress Rural Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to invest and support agricultural industry projects and activities that will produce identifiable state, rural industry or regional benefits. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant can be a “farm business enterprise” or a “farmer group” or a “group of farmers” based in Western Australia, · Projects must demonstrate identifiable state wide, rural industry or regional benefits. · Application to be based on a suitable submission or business plan and proposal that clearly identifies how funding will assist the achievement of objectives of the applicant and the scheme. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $486,443 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $5,459 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Ovine Johne’s Disease De-Stocking Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to assist eligible property owners to defray part of the financial impact resulting from the de-stocking of all sheep and goats in order to maintain WA’s area free from this disease. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property. · The applicant must as at 1 January 2001, have been issued with an order under Regulation 18 of the Enzootic Disease Regulations 1970 requiring de-stocking of all sheep and goats from the property. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $135,000 (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii)Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 1 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to increase participation by Participants in learning activities which will enhance the profitability, competitiveness and sustainability of their farm business enterprises; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefits of continuous learning and skills development and their relevance to the changing management needs of a competitive farm sector; and · to enhance the capacity of Participants to identify and access appropriate learning activities and influence more flexible delivery of those activities. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 50% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closed for new applications on 30 June 2001. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $678,835 (ii) 2002-03 $nil. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(i) 2001-02 $16,888 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $150,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Progress Rural Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to invest and support agricultural industry projects and activities that will produce identifiable state, rural industry or regional benefits. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant can be a “farm business enterprise” or a “farmer group” or a “group of farmers” based in Western Australia, · Projects must demonstrate identifiable state wide, rural industry or regional benefits. · Application to be based on a suitable submission or business plan and proposal that clearly identifies how funding will assist the achievement of objectives of the applicant and the scheme. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $486,443 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $5,459 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Ovine Johne’s Disease De-Stocking Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to assist eligible property owners to defray part of the financial impact resulting from the de-stocking of all sheep and goats in order to maintain WA’s area free from this disease. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property. · The applicant must as at 1 January 2001, have been issued with an order under Regulation 18 of the Enzootic Disease Regulations 1970 requiring de-stocking of all sheep and goats from the property. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $135,000 (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii)Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 1 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to increase participation by Participants in learning activities which will enhance the profitability, competitiveness and sustainability of their farm business enterprises; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefits of continuous learning and skills development and their relevance to the changing management needs of a competitive farm sector; and · to enhance the capacity of Participants to identify and access appropriate learning activities and influence more flexible delivery of those activities. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 50% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closed for new applications on 30 June 2001. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $678,835 (ii) 2002-03 $nil. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(a) Name of Financial Assistance Progress Rural Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to invest and support agricultural industry projects and activities that will produce identifiable state, rural industry or regional benefits. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant can be a “farm business enterprise” or a “farmer group” or a “group of farmers” based in Western Australia, · Projects must demonstrate identifiable state wide, rural industry or regional benefits. · Application to be based on a suitable submission or business plan and proposal that clearly identifies how funding will assist the achievement of objectives of the applicant and the scheme. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $486,443 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $5,459 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Ovine Johne’s Disease De-Stocking Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to assist eligible property owners to defray part of the financial impact resulting from the de-stocking of all sheep and goats in order to maintain WA’s area free from this disease. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property. · The applicant must as at 1 January 2001, have been issued with an order under Regulation 18 of the Enzootic Disease Regulations 1970 requiring de-stocking of all sheep and goats from the property. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $135,000 (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii)Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 1 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to increase participation by Participants in learning activities which will enhance the profitability, competitiveness and sustainability of their farm business enterprises; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefits of continuous learning and skills development and their relevance to the changing management needs of a competitive farm sector; and · to enhance the capacity of Participants to identify and access appropriate learning activities and influence more flexible delivery of those activities. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 50% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closed for new applications on 30 June 2001. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $678,835 (ii) 2002-03 $nil. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
Progress Rural Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to invest and support agricultural industry projects and activities that will produce identifiable state, rural industry or regional benefits. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant can be a “farm business enterprise” or a “farmer group” or a “group of farmers” based in Western Australia, · Projects must demonstrate identifiable state wide, rural industry or regional benefits. · Application to be based on a suitable submission or business plan and proposal that clearly identifies how funding will assist the achievement of objectives of the applicant and the scheme. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $486,443 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $5,459 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Ovine Johne’s Disease De-Stocking Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to assist eligible property owners to defray part of the financial impact resulting from the de-stocking of all sheep and goats in order to maintain WA’s area free from this disease. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property. · The applicant must as at 1 January 2001, have been issued with an order under Regulation 18 of the Enzootic Disease Regulations 1970 requiring de-stocking of all sheep and goats from the property. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $135,000 (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii)Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 1 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to increase participation by Participants in learning activities which will enhance the profitability, competitiveness and sustainability of their farm business enterprises; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefits of continuous learning and skills development and their relevance to the changing management needs of a competitive farm sector; and · to enhance the capacity of Participants to identify and access appropriate learning activities and influence more flexible delivery of those activities. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 50% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closed for new applications on 30 June 2001. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $678,835 (ii) 2002-03 $nil. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to invest and support agricultural industry projects and activities that will produce identifiable state, rural industry or regional benefits. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant can be a “farm business enterprise” or a “farmer group” or a “group of farmers” based in Western Australia, · Projects must demonstrate identifiable state wide, rural industry or regional benefits. · Application to be based on a suitable submission or business plan and proposal that clearly identifies how funding will assist the achievement of objectives of the applicant and the scheme. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $486,443 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $5,459 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Ovine Johne’s Disease De-Stocking Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to assist eligible property owners to defray part of the financial impact resulting from the de-stocking of all sheep and goats in order to maintain WA’s area free from this disease. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property. · The applicant must as at 1 January 2001, have been issued with an order under Regulation 18 of the Enzootic Disease Regulations 1970 requiring de-stocking of all sheep and goats from the property. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $135,000 (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii)Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 1 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to increase participation by Participants in learning activities which will enhance the profitability, competitiveness and sustainability of their farm business enterprises; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefits of continuous learning and skills development and their relevance to the changing management needs of a competitive farm sector; and · to enhance the capacity of Participants to identify and access appropriate learning activities and influence more flexible delivery of those activities. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 50% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closed for new applications on 30 June 2001. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $678,835 (ii) 2002-03 $nil. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
The purpose of the scheme is to invest and support agricultural industry projects and activities that will produce identifiable state, rural industry or regional benefits. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant can be a “farm business enterprise” or a “farmer group” or a “group of farmers” based in Western Australia, · Projects must demonstrate identifiable state wide, rural industry or regional benefits. · Application to be based on a suitable submission or business plan and proposal that clearly identifies how funding will assist the achievement of objectives of the applicant and the scheme. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $486,443 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $5,459 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Ovine Johne’s Disease De-Stocking Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to assist eligible property owners to defray part of the financial impact resulting from the de-stocking of all sheep and goats in order to maintain WA’s area free from this disease. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property. · The applicant must as at 1 January 2001, have been issued with an order under Regulation 18 of the Enzootic Disease Regulations 1970 requiring de-stocking of all sheep and goats from the property. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $135,000 (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii)Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 1 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to increase participation by Participants in learning activities which will enhance the profitability, competitiveness and sustainability of their farm business enterprises; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefits of continuous learning and skills development and their relevance to the changing management needs of a competitive farm sector; and · to enhance the capacity of Participants to identify and access appropriate learning activities and influence more flexible delivery of those activities. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 50% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closed for new applications on 30 June 2001. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $678,835 (ii) 2002-03 $nil. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant can be a “farm business enterprise” or a “farmer group” or a “group of farmers” based in Western Australia, · Projects must demonstrate identifiable state wide, rural industry or regional benefits. · Application to be based on a suitable submission or business plan and proposal that clearly identifies how funding will assist the achievement of objectives of the applicant and the scheme. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $486,443 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $5,459 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Ovine Johne’s Disease De-Stocking Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to assist eligible property owners to defray part of the financial impact resulting from the de-stocking of all sheep and goats in order to maintain WA’s area free from this disease. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property. · The applicant must as at 1 January 2001, have been issued with an order under Regulation 18 of the Enzootic Disease Regulations 1970 requiring de-stocking of all sheep and goats from the property. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $135,000 (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii)Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 1 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to increase participation by Participants in learning activities which will enhance the profitability, competitiveness and sustainability of their farm business enterprises; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefits of continuous learning and skills development and their relevance to the changing management needs of a competitive farm sector; and · to enhance the capacity of Participants to identify and access appropriate learning activities and influence more flexible delivery of those activities. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 50% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closed for new applications on 30 June 2001. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $678,835 (ii) 2002-03 $nil. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant can be a “farm business enterprise” or a “farmer group” or a “group of farmers” based in Western Australia, · Projects must demonstrate identifiable state wide, rural industry or regional benefits. · Application to be based on a suitable submission or business plan and proposal that clearly identifies how funding will assist the achievement of objectives of the applicant and the scheme. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $486,443 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $5,459 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Ovine Johne’s Disease De-Stocking Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to assist eligible property owners to defray part of the financial impact resulting from the de-stocking of all sheep and goats in order to maintain WA’s area free from this disease. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property. · The applicant must as at 1 January 2001, have been issued with an order under Regulation 18 of the Enzootic Disease Regulations 1970 requiring de-stocking of all sheep and goats from the property. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $135,000 (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii)Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 1 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to increase participation by Participants in learning activities which will enhance the profitability, competitiveness and sustainability of their farm business enterprises; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefits of continuous learning and skills development and their relevance to the changing management needs of a competitive farm sector; and · to enhance the capacity of Participants to identify and access appropriate learning activities and influence more flexible delivery of those activities. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 50% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closed for new applications on 30 June 2001. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $678,835 (ii) 2002-03 $nil. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
· Applicant can be a “farm business enterprise” or a “farmer group” or a “group of farmers” based in Western Australia, · Projects must demonstrate identifiable state wide, rural industry or regional benefits. · Application to be based on a suitable submission or business plan and proposal that clearly identifies how funding will assist the achievement of objectives of the applicant and the scheme. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $486,443 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $5,459 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Ovine Johne’s Disease De-Stocking Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to assist eligible property owners to defray part of the financial impact resulting from the de-stocking of all sheep and goats in order to maintain WA’s area free from this disease. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property. · The applicant must as at 1 January 2001, have been issued with an order under Regulation 18 of the Enzootic Disease Regulations 1970 requiring de-stocking of all sheep and goats from the property. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $135,000 (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii)Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 1 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to increase participation by Participants in learning activities which will enhance the profitability, competitiveness and sustainability of their farm business enterprises; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefits of continuous learning and skills development and their relevance to the changing management needs of a competitive farm sector; and · to enhance the capacity of Participants to identify and access appropriate learning activities and influence more flexible delivery of those activities. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 50% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closed for new applications on 30 June 2001. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $678,835 (ii) 2002-03 $nil. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $486,443 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $5,459 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Ovine Johne’s Disease De-Stocking Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to assist eligible property owners to defray part of the financial impact resulting from the de-stocking of all sheep and goats in order to maintain WA’s area free from this disease. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property. · The applicant must as at 1 January 2001, have been issued with an order under Regulation 18 of the Enzootic Disease Regulations 1970 requiring de-stocking of all sheep and goats from the property. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $135,000 (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii)Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 1 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to increase participation by Participants in learning activities which will enhance the profitability, competitiveness and sustainability of their farm business enterprises; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefits of continuous learning and skills development and their relevance to the changing management needs of a competitive farm sector; and · to enhance the capacity of Participants to identify and access appropriate learning activities and influence more flexible delivery of those activities. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 50% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closed for new applications on 30 June 2001. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $678,835 (ii) 2002-03 $nil. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(i) 2001-02 $486,443 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $5,459 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Ovine Johne’s Disease De-Stocking Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to assist eligible property owners to defray part of the financial impact resulting from the de-stocking of all sheep and goats in order to maintain WA’s area free from this disease. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property. · The applicant must as at 1 January 2001, have been issued with an order under Regulation 18 of the Enzootic Disease Regulations 1970 requiring de-stocking of all sheep and goats from the property. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $135,000 (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii)Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 1 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to increase participation by Participants in learning activities which will enhance the profitability, competitiveness and sustainability of their farm business enterprises; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefits of continuous learning and skills development and their relevance to the changing management needs of a competitive farm sector; and · to enhance the capacity of Participants to identify and access appropriate learning activities and influence more flexible delivery of those activities. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 50% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closed for new applications on 30 June 2001. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $678,835 (ii) 2002-03 $nil. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(a) Name of Financial Assistance Ovine Johne’s Disease De-Stocking Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to assist eligible property owners to defray part of the financial impact resulting from the de-stocking of all sheep and goats in order to maintain WA’s area free from this disease. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property. · The applicant must as at 1 January 2001, have been issued with an order under Regulation 18 of the Enzootic Disease Regulations 1970 requiring de-stocking of all sheep and goats from the property. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $135,000 (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii)Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 1 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to increase participation by Participants in learning activities which will enhance the profitability, competitiveness and sustainability of their farm business enterprises; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefits of continuous learning and skills development and their relevance to the changing management needs of a competitive farm sector; and · to enhance the capacity of Participants to identify and access appropriate learning activities and influence more flexible delivery of those activities. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 50% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closed for new applications on 30 June 2001. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $678,835 (ii) 2002-03 $nil. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
Ovine Johne’s Disease De-Stocking Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to assist eligible property owners to defray part of the financial impact resulting from the de-stocking of all sheep and goats in order to maintain WA’s area free from this disease. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property. · The applicant must as at 1 January 2001, have been issued with an order under Regulation 18 of the Enzootic Disease Regulations 1970 requiring de-stocking of all sheep and goats from the property. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $135,000 (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii)Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 1 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to increase participation by Participants in learning activities which will enhance the profitability, competitiveness and sustainability of their farm business enterprises; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefits of continuous learning and skills development and their relevance to the changing management needs of a competitive farm sector; and · to enhance the capacity of Participants to identify and access appropriate learning activities and influence more flexible delivery of those activities. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 50% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closed for new applications on 30 June 2001. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $678,835 (ii) 2002-03 $nil. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is to assist eligible property owners to defray part of the financial impact resulting from the de-stocking of all sheep and goats in order to maintain WA’s area free from this disease. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property. · The applicant must as at 1 January 2001, have been issued with an order under Regulation 18 of the Enzootic Disease Regulations 1970 requiring de-stocking of all sheep and goats from the property. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $135,000 (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii)Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 1 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to increase participation by Participants in learning activities which will enhance the profitability, competitiveness and sustainability of their farm business enterprises; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefits of continuous learning and skills development and their relevance to the changing management needs of a competitive farm sector; and · to enhance the capacity of Participants to identify and access appropriate learning activities and influence more flexible delivery of those activities. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 50% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closed for new applications on 30 June 2001. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $678,835 (ii) 2002-03 $nil. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
The purpose of the scheme is to assist eligible property owners to defray part of the financial impact resulting from the de-stocking of all sheep and goats in order to maintain WA’s area free from this disease. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property. · The applicant must as at 1 January 2001, have been issued with an order under Regulation 18 of the Enzootic Disease Regulations 1970 requiring de-stocking of all sheep and goats from the property. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $135,000 (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii)Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 1 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to increase participation by Participants in learning activities which will enhance the profitability, competitiveness and sustainability of their farm business enterprises; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefits of continuous learning and skills development and their relevance to the changing management needs of a competitive farm sector; and · to enhance the capacity of Participants to identify and access appropriate learning activities and influence more flexible delivery of those activities. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 50% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closed for new applications on 30 June 2001. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $678,835 (ii) 2002-03 $nil. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property. · The applicant must as at 1 January 2001, have been issued with an order under Regulation 18 of the Enzootic Disease Regulations 1970 requiring de-stocking of all sheep and goats from the property. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $135,000 (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii)Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 1 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to increase participation by Participants in learning activities which will enhance the profitability, competitiveness and sustainability of their farm business enterprises; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefits of continuous learning and skills development and their relevance to the changing management needs of a competitive farm sector; and · to enhance the capacity of Participants to identify and access appropriate learning activities and influence more flexible delivery of those activities. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 50% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closed for new applications on 30 June 2001. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $678,835 (ii) 2002-03 $nil. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · The applicant must own and operate a commercial property. · The applicant must as at 1 January 2001, have been issued with an order under Regulation 18 of the Enzootic Disease Regulations 1970 requiring de-stocking of all sheep and goats from the property. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $135,000 (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii)Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 1 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to increase participation by Participants in learning activities which will enhance the profitability, competitiveness and sustainability of their farm business enterprises; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefits of continuous learning and skills development and their relevance to the changing management needs of a competitive farm sector; and · to enhance the capacity of Participants to identify and access appropriate learning activities and influence more flexible delivery of those activities. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 50% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closed for new applications on 30 June 2001. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $678,835 (ii) 2002-03 $nil. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $135,000 (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii)Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 1 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to increase participation by Participants in learning activities which will enhance the profitability, competitiveness and sustainability of their farm business enterprises; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefits of continuous learning and skills development and their relevance to the changing management needs of a competitive farm sector; and · to enhance the capacity of Participants to identify and access appropriate learning activities and influence more flexible delivery of those activities. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 50% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closed for new applications on 30 June 2001. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $678,835 (ii) 2002-03 $nil. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(i) 2001-02 $135,000 (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii)Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 1 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to increase participation by Participants in learning activities which will enhance the profitability, competitiveness and sustainability of their farm business enterprises; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefits of continuous learning and skills development and their relevance to the changing management needs of a competitive farm sector; and · to enhance the capacity of Participants to identify and access appropriate learning activities and influence more flexible delivery of those activities. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 50% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closed for new applications on 30 June 2001. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $678,835 (ii) 2002-03 $nil. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 1 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to increase participation by Participants in learning activities which will enhance the profitability, competitiveness and sustainability of their farm business enterprises; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefits of continuous learning and skills development and their relevance to the changing management needs of a competitive farm sector; and · to enhance the capacity of Participants to identify and access appropriate learning activities and influence more flexible delivery of those activities. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 50% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closed for new applications on 30 June 2001. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $678,835 (ii) 2002-03 $nil. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
FarmBis 1 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to increase participation by Participants in learning activities which will enhance the profitability, competitiveness and sustainability of their farm business enterprises; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefits of continuous learning and skills development and their relevance to the changing management needs of a competitive farm sector; and · to enhance the capacity of Participants to identify and access appropriate learning activities and influence more flexible delivery of those activities. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 50% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closed for new applications on 30 June 2001. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $678,835 (ii) 2002-03 $nil. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to increase participation by Participants in learning activities which will enhance the profitability, competitiveness and sustainability of their farm business enterprises; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefits of continuous learning and skills development and their relevance to the changing management needs of a competitive farm sector; and · to enhance the capacity of Participants to identify and access appropriate learning activities and influence more flexible delivery of those activities. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 50% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closed for new applications on 30 June 2001. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $678,835 (ii) 2002-03 $nil. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
The purpose of the scheme is: · to increase participation by Participants in learning activities which will enhance the profitability, competitiveness and sustainability of their farm business enterprises; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefits of continuous learning and skills development and their relevance to the changing management needs of a competitive farm sector; and · to enhance the capacity of Participants to identify and access appropriate learning activities and influence more flexible delivery of those activities. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 50% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closed for new applications on 30 June 2001. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $678,835 (ii) 2002-03 $nil. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
· to increase participation by Participants in learning activities which will enhance the profitability, competitiveness and sustainability of their farm business enterprises; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefits of continuous learning and skills development and their relevance to the changing management needs of a competitive farm sector; and · to enhance the capacity of Participants to identify and access appropriate learning activities and influence more flexible delivery of those activities. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 50% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closed for new applications on 30 June 2001. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $678,835 (ii) 2002-03 $nil. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closed for new applications on 30 June 2001. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $678,835 (ii) 2002-03 $nil. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closed for new applications on 30 June 2001. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $678,835 (ii) 2002-03 $nil. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
· Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closed for new applications on 30 June 2001. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $678,835 (ii) 2002-03 $nil. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $678,835 (ii) 2002-03 $nil. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(i) 2001-02 $678,835 (ii) 2002-03 $nil. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(a) Name of Financial Assistance Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(b) Purpose of the Assistance Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
· Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002. · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires. · Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002. · Have suffered the impacts of drought. · For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
· For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either: · Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income OR · A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years. · For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by: · A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years. · Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners. · Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2. (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
· Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia. · The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(a) Name of Financial Assistance Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
Farmer Training Assistance Scheme (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
The purpose of the scheme is: · To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
· To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base. · Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
· Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(i) 2001-02 $nil (ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme. (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS (a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(a) Name of Financial Assistance FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
FarmBis 2 Scheme (Commonwealth/State Agreement) (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
The purpose of the scheme is: · to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
· to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities; · to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities; · to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change; · to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and · to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness. Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
· Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters; · Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities; · The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity; · Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management · The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(a) Name of Financial Assistance Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
Dairy Industry Assistance Package (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
· Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program. · Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000. · The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000 (a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(a) Name of Financial Assistance Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1 (b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(b) Purpose of the Assistance The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
The broad eligibility criteria for support is: · Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
· Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average. · The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions. · The scheme is closed for new applications. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $nil (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil (a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(a) Name of Financial Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
Rural Financial Counselling Services (b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(b) Purpose of the Assistance Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC) (a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(a) Name of Financial Assistance Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
Natural Heritage Trust (b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(b) Purpose of the Assistance To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change. (c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must: · contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
· contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities; · be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region; · were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support; · be feasible and represent good value for money; · have a clear public benefit; · have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate); · have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and · comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements. (d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(d) Actual Expenditure in : (i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual) (ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003) (iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised) DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES (a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(a) As per tabled document (b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(b) As per tabled document (c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA) (d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION (a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests. The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following: South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo University of Melbourne J W Gottstein Memorial Trust Kristofferson Cup The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Top Shelf Media Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA) Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference Timber Advisory Centre Australian Forest Growers Conference Forest Heritage Centre Master Builders Association Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc University of Murdoch (b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(b) Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries. Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand. Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community. Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships. Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media) Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom. Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic. Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip. Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre) Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland. (c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes: · supports the Commission’s goals and objectives; · increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs; · communicates key messages to target audiences; and · enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation. The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship. (d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(d) (i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00 University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $500.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $5,000.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00 13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 University of Murdoch $6,500.00 (ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(ii) University of Melbourne $500.00 J W Gottstein $600.00 Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00 Top Shelf Media $6,000.00 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00 Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00 Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00 Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00 Master Builders Association $600.00 Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00 University of Murdoch $8,000.00 (iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(iii) $75,000.00 MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme Regional Co-operative Research Fund Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan (b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region. (c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are: 1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region. 2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan. 3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. 4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. 5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are: 1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community 2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region; 3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region; 4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and 5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies. Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process. (d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(d) i) MWRDS - $400,000 ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
ii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $40,000 Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500 iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
iii) MWRDS - $400,000 RCRF - $18,000 WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme UWA Salt Lake Biota Beverley Brookton Groundwater 2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout) Dumbleyung Lakes project Wheatbelt Business Conference 2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme (b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region. UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout) 2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing. Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship (c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region. The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government). (d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(d) The actual expenditure in – (i) 2001-2002 $456,386 (ii) 2002-2003 $414,497 (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS) GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process. b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments. (c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution. (d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
(d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859 (ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224. (iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000. By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions. See Tabled Paper.
See Tabled Paper.
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
24 June 2003
Responded by
Minister for Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
Response time
40 days
RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
(a) Name of Financial Assistance
Rural Adjustment Scheme – Exceptional Circumstances
(Commonwealth/State Agreement)
(b) Purpose of the Assistance
Assist farmers in Exceptional Circumstances declared areas of Western Australia who would otherwise have prospects of long-term profitability and sustainability, but for exceptional conditions arising from an event which have detrimentally affected the farmer’s income, leading to financial difficulty.
Interest rate subsidy grants of up to 50% on interest payable and associated costs of borrowings are provided for up to two years. The maximum grant is $100,000 per year.
(c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance
The broad eligibility criteria for support is:
· Provided only to farmers in the declared areas.
· Business must have long-term profitability and sustainability, have suffered a production decline and suffered reduced equity.
· Subsidy calculated on interest payable and associated costs of farm borrowings.
(d) Actual Expenditure in :
(i) 2001-02 $7,839,416 (Actual)
(ii) 2002-03 $6,000,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003)
(iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $3,160,000
(a) Name of Financial Assistance
Gascoyne Murchison Strategy Rural Partnership Program
(Commonwealth/State Agreement)
(b) Purpose of the Assistance
The purpose of the scheme is to facilitate the sustainability, profitability and productivity of farm business enterprises and farm business groups in the Gascoyne-Murchison region of Western Australia. This will be achieved through the implementation of a number of measures as detailed in the Commonwealth State Agreement.
(c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance
The broad eligibility criteria for support is set out in the Policy Guidelines for each type of measure.
· Implementation of Business Plans: grants provided to farm business enterprises undertaking productivity enhancement measures in accordance with business plans. Grants also provided to farm business enterprises for on-farm works and activities to achieve property build up, to enable property amalgamation, property improvement, enterprise diversification and other productivity enhancing initiatives.
· Identification and Development of Regionally Based Alternative Enterprises: financial support to assist in meeting the costs associated with initial planning and feasibility of alternative enterprises relevant to the Gascoyne Murchison region, grants to assist the implementation of alternative enterprises relevant to the Gascoyne Murchison region and support for enterprise adjustment through diversifying leases.
· Voluntary Lease Adjustment: facilitation of the development of options for the restructuring of leases and broker the restructure and sale of leases and where appropriate provide funds to facilitate restructuring of leases and provision of funding to assist producers experiencing long-term business difficulties in assessing opportunities for structural and enterprise adjustment.
· The scheme closes for new applications on 28 August 2003.
(d) Actual Expenditure in:
(i) 2001-02 $966,907 (Actual)
(ii) 2002-03 $1,648,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003)
(iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,772,000 (Includes $1.508m RBDC & $0.264m DAWA)
(a) Name of Financial Assistance
South Coast Regional Strategy
(Commonwealth/State Agreement)
(b) Purpose of the Assistance
The purpose of the scheme is to facilitate improved sustainability and profitability of enterprises in the South Coast region of Western Australia. This will be achieved by provision of grants to eligible farm business enterprises undertaking productivity enhancement in accordance with business plans including but not limited to activities such as:
· on and off farm works and activities to achieve property improvement, enterprise diversification, property build up, and other productivity enhancing initiatives.
· financial support to assist in meeting the costs associated with the provision of appropriate professional advice regarding the feasibility and development of alternative enterprises relevant to the South Coast region.
(c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance
The broad eligibility criteria for support is:
· The applicant must own and operate a commercial property within the defined region.
· The applicant must prepare a Business Plan that identifies both long term profitability and sustainability of farm business enterprise.
· Grants, up to $10,000 are provided to implement agreed activities within the business plan.
· The scheme is closed for new applications.
(d) Actual Expenditure in :
(i) 2001-02 $1,462,622 (Actual)
(ii) 2002-03 $30,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003)
(iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil
(a) Name of Financial Assistance
Natural Resource Adjustment Scheme
(b) Purpose of the Assistance
The purpose of the scheme is to:
· assist landholders engaged in rural industry who have been adversely affected by a government objection to the clearing of remnant vegetation on their property
· to establish ownership and management of that remnant vegetation in a manner which will maintain its condition in the long term for the benefit of rural industry and the wider community.
(c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance
The broad eligibility criteria for support is:
· Those landholders in Western Australia who submitted a Notice of Intention to Clear Land between 17 May 1995 and the starting date of the Memorandum of Understanding for the Protection of Remnant Vegetation in the Agricultural region of Western Australia, and had an objection placed against their clearing by the Commissioner for Soil and Land Conservation;
· The landholder(s) must register for the scheme prior to 1 January 1998;
· The land must be zoned Rural;
· If necessary, it must be practical to subdivide the remnant vegetation area into a separate location, in a manner supported by the WA Planning Commission and the appropriate local government authority;
· The vegetation under consideration must be contiguous
· The scheme is closed for new applications.
(d) Actual Expenditure in :
(i) 2001-02 $16,888 (Actual)
(ii) 2002-03 $150,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003)
(iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000
(a) Name of Financial Assistance
Progress Rural Scheme
(b) Purpose of the Assistance
The purpose of the scheme is to invest and support agricultural industry projects and activities that will produce identifiable state, rural industry or regional benefits.
(c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance
The broad eligibility criteria for support is:
· Applicant can be a “farm business enterprise” or a “farmer group” or a “group of farmers” based in Western Australia,
· Projects must demonstrate identifiable state wide, rural industry or regional benefits.
· Application to be based on a suitable submission or business plan and proposal that clearly identifies how funding will assist the achievement of objectives of the applicant and the scheme.
· The scheme is closed for new applications.
(d) Actual Expenditure in :
(i) 2001-02 $486,443 (Actual)
(ii) 2002-03 $5,459 (Actual to 30/4/03)
(iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil
(a) Name of Financial Assistance
Ovine Johne’s Disease De-Stocking Scheme
(b) Purpose of the Assistance
The purpose of the scheme is to assist eligible property owners to defray part of the financial impact resulting from the de-stocking of all sheep and goats in order to maintain WA’s area free from this disease.
(c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance
The broad eligibility criteria for support is:
· The applicant must own and operate a commercial property.
· The applicant must as at 1 January 2001, have been issued with an order under Regulation 18 of the Enzootic Disease Regulations 1970 requiring de-stocking of all sheep and goats from the property.
· The scheme is closed for new applications.
(d) Actual Expenditure in :
(i) 2001-02 $135,000
(ii) 2002-03 $nil
(iii)Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil
(a) Name of Financial Assistance
FarmBis 1 Scheme
(Commonwealth/State Agreement)
(b) Purpose of the Assistance
The purpose of the scheme is:
· to increase participation by Participants in learning activities which will enhance the profitability, competitiveness and sustainability of their farm business enterprises;
· to develop greater acceptance of the benefits of continuous learning and skills development and their relevance to the changing management needs of a competitive farm sector; and
· to enhance the capacity of Participants to identify and access appropriate learning activities and influence more flexible delivery of those activities.
· Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 50% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning
(c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance
The broad eligibility criteria for support is:
· Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters;
· Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities;
· The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity;
· Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management
· The scheme closed for new applications on 30 June 2001.
(d) Actual Expenditure in :
(i) 2001-02 $678,835
(ii) 2002-03 $nil.
(iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil
APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
(a) Name of Financial Assistance
Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme
(b) Purpose of the Assistance
Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment.
(c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance
The broad eligibility criteria for support is:
· Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002.
· Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires.
· Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002.
· Have suffered the impacts of drought.
· For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either:
· Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income
OR
· A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years.
· For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by:
· A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years.
· Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners.
· Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires.
(d) Actual Expenditure in :
(i) 2001-02 $nil
(ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003)
(iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover)
(a) Name of Financial Assistance
Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2.
(b) Purpose of the Assistance
The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services.
(c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance
The broad eligibility criteria for support is:
· Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia.
· The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001.
· The scheme is closed for new applications.
(d) Actual Expenditure in :
(i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual)
(ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03)
(iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil
(a) Name of Financial Assistance
Farmer Training Assistance Scheme
(b) Purpose of the Assistance
The purpose of the scheme is:
· To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base.
· Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning
(c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance
The broad eligibility criteria for support is:
· Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters;
· Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities;
· The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity;
· Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management
· The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004.
(d) Actual Expenditure in :
(i) 2001-02 $nil
(ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme.
(iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS
(a) Name of Financial Assistance
FarmBis 2 Scheme
(Commonwealth/State Agreement)
(b) Purpose of the Assistance
The purpose of the scheme is:
· to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities;
· to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities;
· to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change;
· to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and
· to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness.
Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning
(c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance
The broad eligibility criteria for support is:
· Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters;
· Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities;
· The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity;
· Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management
· The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004.
(d) Actual Expenditure in :
(i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual)
(ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003)
(iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000
(a) Name of Financial Assistance
Dairy Industry Assistance Package
(b) Purpose of the Assistance
The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training.
(c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance
The broad eligibility criteria for support is:
· Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program.
· Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000.
· The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003.
(d) Actual Expenditure in :
(i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual)
(ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003)
(iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000
(a) Name of Financial Assistance
Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1
(b) Purpose of the Assistance
The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions.
Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review.
(c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance
The broad eligibility criteria for support is:
· Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average.
· The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions.
· The scheme is closed for new applications.
(d) Actual Expenditure in :
(i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual)
(ii) 2002-03 $nil
(iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil
(a) Name of Financial Assistance
Rural Financial Counselling Services
(b) Purpose of the Assistance
Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor.
(c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance
The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group.
(d) Actual Expenditure in :
(i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC)
(ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC)
(iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC)
(a) Name of Financial Assistance
Natural Heritage Trust
(b) Purpose of the Assistance
To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change.
(c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance
NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must:
· contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities;
· be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region;
· were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support;
· be feasible and represent good value for money;
· have a clear public benefit;
· have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate);
· have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and
· comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements.
(d) Actual Expenditure in :
(i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual)
(ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003)
(iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised)
DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES
(a) As per tabled document
(b) As per tabled document
(c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA)
(d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document
FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION
(a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests.
The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following:
South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo
University of Melbourne
J W Gottstein Memorial Trust
Kristofferson Cup
The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust
Top Shelf Media
Mandurah Performing Arts Centre
Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA)
Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference
Timber Advisory Centre
Australian Forest Growers Conference
Forest Heritage Centre
Master Builders Association
Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc
University of Murdoch
(b)
Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries.
Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand.
Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry
Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community.
Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships.
Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media)
Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom.
Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic.
Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip.
Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project
Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference
Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre)
Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber
Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference
Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland.
(c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes:
· supports the Commission’s goals and objectives;
· increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs;
· communicates key messages to target audiences; and
· enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation.
The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship.
(d)
(i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00
University of Melbourne $500.00
J W Gottstein $500.00
Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00
Top Shelf Media $5,000.00
Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00
13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00
Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00
University of Murdoch $6,500.00
(ii) University of Melbourne $500.00
J W Gottstein $600.00
Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00
Top Shelf Media $6,000.00
Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00
Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00
Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00
Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00
Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00
Master Builders Association $600.00
Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00
University of Murdoch $8,000.00
(iii) $75,000.00
MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
(a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme
Regional Co-operative Research Fund
Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan
(b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region.
(c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are:
1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region.
2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan.
3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution.
4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders.
5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government).
The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are:
1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community
2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region;
3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region;
4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and
5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies.
Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process.
(d) i) MWRDS - $400,000
ii) MWRDS - $400,000
RCRF - $40,000
Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500
iii) MWRDS - $400,000
RCRF - $18,000
WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
(a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme
UWA Salt Lake Biota
Beverley Brookton Groundwater
2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme
Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship
Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout)
Dumbleyung Lakes project
Wheatbelt Business Conference
2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme
(b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region.
UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe
Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology
Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout)
2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing.
Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship
Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees
Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship
Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship
(c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region.
The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”.
Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution.
The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders.
The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government).
(d) The actual expenditure in –
(i) 2001-2002 $456,386
(ii) 2002-2003 $414,497
(iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS)
GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process.
b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments.
(c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution.
(d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859
(ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224.
(iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000.
By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions.
See Tabled Paper.
(a) Name of Financial Assistance
Rural Adjustment Scheme – Exceptional Circumstances
(Commonwealth/State Agreement)
(b) Purpose of the Assistance
Assist farmers in Exceptional Circumstances declared areas of Western Australia who would otherwise have prospects of long-term profitability and sustainability, but for exceptional conditions arising from an event which have detrimentally affected the farmer’s income, leading to financial difficulty.
Interest rate subsidy grants of up to 50% on interest payable and associated costs of borrowings are provided for up to two years. The maximum grant is $100,000 per year.
(c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance
The broad eligibility criteria for support is:
· Provided only to farmers in the declared areas.
· Business must have long-term profitability and sustainability, have suffered a production decline and suffered reduced equity.
· Subsidy calculated on interest payable and associated costs of farm borrowings.
(d) Actual Expenditure in :
(i) 2001-02 $7,839,416 (Actual)
(ii) 2002-03 $6,000,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003)
(iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $3,160,000
(a) Name of Financial Assistance
Gascoyne Murchison Strategy Rural Partnership Program
(Commonwealth/State Agreement)
(b) Purpose of the Assistance
The purpose of the scheme is to facilitate the sustainability, profitability and productivity of farm business enterprises and farm business groups in the Gascoyne-Murchison region of Western Australia. This will be achieved through the implementation of a number of measures as detailed in the Commonwealth State Agreement.
(c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance
The broad eligibility criteria for support is set out in the Policy Guidelines for each type of measure.
· Implementation of Business Plans: grants provided to farm business enterprises undertaking productivity enhancement measures in accordance with business plans. Grants also provided to farm business enterprises for on-farm works and activities to achieve property build up, to enable property amalgamation, property improvement, enterprise diversification and other productivity enhancing initiatives.
· Identification and Development of Regionally Based Alternative Enterprises: financial support to assist in meeting the costs associated with initial planning and feasibility of alternative enterprises relevant to the Gascoyne Murchison region, grants to assist the implementation of alternative enterprises relevant to the Gascoyne Murchison region and support for enterprise adjustment through diversifying leases.
· Voluntary Lease Adjustment: facilitation of the development of options for the restructuring of leases and broker the restructure and sale of leases and where appropriate provide funds to facilitate restructuring of leases and provision of funding to assist producers experiencing long-term business difficulties in assessing opportunities for structural and enterprise adjustment.
· The scheme closes for new applications on 28 August 2003.
(d) Actual Expenditure in:
(i) 2001-02 $966,907 (Actual)
(ii) 2002-03 $1,648,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003)
(iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,772,000 (Includes $1.508m RBDC & $0.264m DAWA)
(a) Name of Financial Assistance
South Coast Regional Strategy
(Commonwealth/State Agreement)
(b) Purpose of the Assistance
The purpose of the scheme is to facilitate improved sustainability and profitability of enterprises in the South Coast region of Western Australia. This will be achieved by provision of grants to eligible farm business enterprises undertaking productivity enhancement in accordance with business plans including but not limited to activities such as:
· on and off farm works and activities to achieve property improvement, enterprise diversification, property build up, and other productivity enhancing initiatives.
· financial support to assist in meeting the costs associated with the provision of appropriate professional advice regarding the feasibility and development of alternative enterprises relevant to the South Coast region.
(c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance
The broad eligibility criteria for support is:
· The applicant must own and operate a commercial property within the defined region.
· The applicant must prepare a Business Plan that identifies both long term profitability and sustainability of farm business enterprise.
· Grants, up to $10,000 are provided to implement agreed activities within the business plan.
· The scheme is closed for new applications.
(d) Actual Expenditure in :
(i) 2001-02 $1,462,622 (Actual)
(ii) 2002-03 $30,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003)
(iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil
(a) Name of Financial Assistance
Natural Resource Adjustment Scheme
(b) Purpose of the Assistance
The purpose of the scheme is to:
· assist landholders engaged in rural industry who have been adversely affected by a government objection to the clearing of remnant vegetation on their property
· to establish ownership and management of that remnant vegetation in a manner which will maintain its condition in the long term for the benefit of rural industry and the wider community.
(c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance
The broad eligibility criteria for support is:
· Those landholders in Western Australia who submitted a Notice of Intention to Clear Land between 17 May 1995 and the starting date of the Memorandum of Understanding for the Protection of Remnant Vegetation in the Agricultural region of Western Australia, and had an objection placed against their clearing by the Commissioner for Soil and Land Conservation;
· The landholder(s) must register for the scheme prior to 1 January 1998;
· The land must be zoned Rural;
· If necessary, it must be practical to subdivide the remnant vegetation area into a separate location, in a manner supported by the WA Planning Commission and the appropriate local government authority;
· The vegetation under consideration must be contiguous
· The scheme is closed for new applications.
(d) Actual Expenditure in :
(i) 2001-02 $16,888 (Actual)
(ii) 2002-03 $150,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003)
(iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000
(a) Name of Financial Assistance
Progress Rural Scheme
(b) Purpose of the Assistance
The purpose of the scheme is to invest and support agricultural industry projects and activities that will produce identifiable state, rural industry or regional benefits.
(c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance
The broad eligibility criteria for support is:
· Applicant can be a “farm business enterprise” or a “farmer group” or a “group of farmers” based in Western Australia,
· Projects must demonstrate identifiable state wide, rural industry or regional benefits.
· Application to be based on a suitable submission or business plan and proposal that clearly identifies how funding will assist the achievement of objectives of the applicant and the scheme.
· The scheme is closed for new applications.
(d) Actual Expenditure in :
(i) 2001-02 $486,443 (Actual)
(ii) 2002-03 $5,459 (Actual to 30/4/03)
(iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil
(a) Name of Financial Assistance
Ovine Johne’s Disease De-Stocking Scheme
(b) Purpose of the Assistance
The purpose of the scheme is to assist eligible property owners to defray part of the financial impact resulting from the de-stocking of all sheep and goats in order to maintain WA’s area free from this disease.
(c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance
The broad eligibility criteria for support is:
· The applicant must own and operate a commercial property.
· The applicant must as at 1 January 2001, have been issued with an order under Regulation 18 of the Enzootic Disease Regulations 1970 requiring de-stocking of all sheep and goats from the property.
· The scheme is closed for new applications.
(d) Actual Expenditure in :
(i) 2001-02 $135,000
(ii) 2002-03 $nil
(iii)Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil
(a) Name of Financial Assistance
FarmBis 1 Scheme
(Commonwealth/State Agreement)
(b) Purpose of the Assistance
The purpose of the scheme is:
· to increase participation by Participants in learning activities which will enhance the profitability, competitiveness and sustainability of their farm business enterprises;
· to develop greater acceptance of the benefits of continuous learning and skills development and their relevance to the changing management needs of a competitive farm sector; and
· to enhance the capacity of Participants to identify and access appropriate learning activities and influence more flexible delivery of those activities.
· Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 50% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning
(c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance
The broad eligibility criteria for support is:
· Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters;
· Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities;
· The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity;
· Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management
· The scheme closed for new applications on 30 June 2001.
(d) Actual Expenditure in :
(i) 2001-02 $678,835
(ii) 2002-03 $nil.
(iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil
APPROVED ASSISTANCE SCHEMES FUNDED BY RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
(a) Name of Financial Assistance
Dry Season 2002 Assistance Scheme
(b) Purpose of the Assistance
Assist farmers and pastoralists severely affected by the 2002 dry season. Grants of up to $6,000 per farm business will be made available for water carting, water supply enhancement, feedlot infrastructure and freight on fodder. Pastoralists support can also cover payment of Department of Land administration lease payments and cartage of stock from the property to agistment.
(c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance
The broad eligibility criteria for support is:
· Available to farmers in 47 Shires in agricultural areas and to pastoralists in 16 Southern Rangeland Region Shires that suffered severe drought in 2002.
· Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming/pastoral enterprise and most of their operations occur in the eligible shires.
· Not have received an Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate subsidy payment from an application lodged between 2 February 2001 and 31 December 2002.
· Have suffered the impacts of drought.
· For Agricultural Region Shires this will be measured by either:
· Business Costs in 2002 being at least 125% of Farm income
OR
· A fall in grain production of at least 70% during 2002 as measured against their 1995-1999 production years.
· For Southern Rangeland Region Shires this will be measured by:
· A significant drop in production during 2002 as measured against their 1997-2001 production years.
· Have at 1 February 2003 total equity of $2m or less or less than $3m if three or more partners.
· Closing date for applications in the agricultural region shires is 31 May 2003 and 30 June 2003 for Southern Rangelands Pastoral region shires.
(d) Actual Expenditure in :
(i) 2001-02 $nil
(ii) 2002-03 $2,700,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003)
(iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,000,000 (Expected Carryover)
(a) Name of Financial Assistance
Adverse Seasonal Conditions Assistance Scheme 2.
(b) Purpose of the Assistance
The purpose of this scheme was to provide direct assistance to farmers who have been adversely affected by unfavourable weather and/or climatic events between 1998 and 2001. Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment and securing water resources. Grants were also available to support rural, family and financial counselling services.
(c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance
The broad eligibility criteria for support is:
· Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia.
· The farm business in the 2000 season has had operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to unfavourable weather conditions and estimate that they will also have operating expenditure greater than 85% of gross farm income due to the dry season in 2001.
· The scheme is closed for new applications.
(d) Actual Expenditure in :
(i) 2001-02 $1,316,542 (Actual)
(ii) 2002-03 $12,767 (Actual to 30/4/03)
(iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil
(a) Name of Financial Assistance
Farmer Training Assistance Scheme
(b) Purpose of the Assistance
The purpose of the scheme is:
· To provide assistance to support primary producers and land managers to assist them in learning activities by contributing to the cost of their participation (eligible course costs) in learning activities which expand upon their current knowledge and skill base.
· Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning
(c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance
The broad eligibility criteria for support is:
· Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for Target Participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters;
· Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities;
· The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity;
· Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management
· The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004.
(d) Actual Expenditure in :
(i) 2001-02 $nil
(ii) 2002-03 expenditure is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme.
(iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 budget is incorporated under FarmBis 2 Scheme
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS
(a) Name of Financial Assistance
FarmBis 2 Scheme
(Commonwealth/State Agreement)
(b) Purpose of the Assistance
The purpose of the scheme is:
· to enhance the capacity of participants to identify, plan and access quality learning activities;
· to increase participation by participants in approved learning activities;
· to enhance the ability of participants to effectively manage change;
· to develop greater acceptance of the benefit of continuous learning to primary production enterprises; and
· to increase the adoption by participants of management practices that will lead to greater resource sustainability, profitability and competitiveness.
Assistance will be provided, in the form of a grant up to 75% of eligible GST exclusive cost of the approved activity, to the applicant to subsidise the costs of the learning
(c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance
The broad eligibility criteria for support is:
· Applicants will be deemed eligible as per the WA FarmBis policy for target participants that includes primary producers in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural, aquacultural, commercial wild-catch fishing industries, land managers with a landholding not less than 2 ha, Aboriginal land managers and macropod and wild game harvesters;
· Applicants must contribute to the cost of individual program activities in which they participate to demonstrate their commitment to the learning activities;
· The activity must be commercially available or a private sector organised activity;
· Activities supported under the scheme must focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of primary producers to manage their business, natural and human resources. Such activities include strategic natural resources management, business and financial planning, business performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance, whole enterprise management
· The scheme closes for new applications on 30 June 2004.
(d) Actual Expenditure in :
(i) 2001-02 $1,403,040 (Actual)
(ii) 2002-03 $1,100,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003)
(iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $1,500,000
(a) Name of Financial Assistance
Dairy Industry Assistance Package
(b) Purpose of the Assistance
The purpose of this scheme was to provide support to the State’s bovine dairy industry, to assist a managed transition to deregulated market. The package has three components: business assessment, planning and implementation, and training.
(c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance
The broad eligibility criteria for support is:
· Dairy Assessment Grant: all dairy owners, sharefarmers, lessors, lessees, etc who are eligible to claim the Commonwealth Dairy Structural Adjustment Program.
· Dairy Farm Business Grant and Training Grant: only farming enterprises which currently receive income directly from milk processor. Former lessors of quota are not eligible nor are new farmers who enter the dairy industry after 30 June 2000.
· The scheme is closed for applications on 30 June 2003.
(d) Actual Expenditure in :
(i) 2001-02 $2,459,029 (Actual)
(ii) 2002-03 $1,600,000 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May & June 2003)
(iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $100,000
(a) Name of Financial Assistance
Adverse Seasonal Conditions in the Agricultural Sector Livestock Management Support Scheme 1
(b) Purpose of the Assistance
The purpose of this scheme was to provide assistance growers who have suffered as a result of the unfavourable series of weather and/or climatic events since 1998. Funding is provided for specific measures to help farmers deal with some of the issues arising from these seasonal conditions.
Assistance was provided in the form of subsidies for the costs of agistment and/or transport, development of feedlot infrastructure and feed; soil testing; dam construction or repair; pasture re-establishment, domestic/stock water and its transport and farm family business review.
(c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance
The broad eligibility criteria for support is:
· Applicant must operate a commercial scale farming enterprise in the crop sheep belt of Western Australia in an area of rainfall defined by the Bureau of Meteorology as very much below average.
· The farm business had total operating expenditure exceeding 85% of gross income for 2 of the last 3 years due to unfavourable weather conditions.
· The scheme is closed for new applications.
(d) Actual Expenditure in :
(i) 2001-02 $2,381,779 (Actual)
(ii) 2002-03 $nil
(iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $nil
(a) Name of Financial Assistance
Rural Financial Counselling Services
(b) Purpose of the Assistance
Rural Financial Counselling Services are established and funded under the Commonwealth Rural Financial Counselling Service Program. Matching funds, both in kind and cash are raised by the Counselling groups. The State contributes $13,046 of cash support for each Rural Financial Counsellor.
(c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance
The Commonwealth approves the establishment of Rural Financial Counselling Services. The State Grant is paid upon receipt of regular reporting process from each group.
(d) Actual Expenditure in :
(i) 2001-02 $72,368 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC)
(ii) 2002-03 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $32,000 (RBDC)
(iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $111,000 (Dept Agriculture) $38,000 (RBDC)
(a) Name of Financial Assistance
Natural Heritage Trust
(b) Purpose of the Assistance
To restore, conserve and manage Australia’s environment and natural resources through biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community capacity building and institutional change.
(c) Eligibility Criteria for Assistance
NHT funding is delivered through three components (local, regional and national/state investments) each with their particular criteria. In general, NHT funding proposals must:
· contribute to the objectives of the Natural Heritage Trust and are consistent with the identified funding priorities;
· be consistent with regional plans and other plans in the region;
· were developed in consultation with stakeholders and have community support;
· be feasible and represent good value for money;
· have a clear public benefit;
· have approval for the work from the land managers (where appropriate);
· have been granted any statutory approvals that may be necessary, and
· comply with any relevant Commonwealth and/or State/Territory legislation and other relevant intergovernmental arrangements.
(d) Actual Expenditure in :
(i) 2001-02 $17,038,937 (Actual)
(ii) 2002-03 $4,522,449 (Actual to 30/4/03 plus estimate for May and June 2003)
(iii) Budgeted allocation in 2003-04 $19,400,000 (Based on original NHT allocation of $15.5m plus new approvals $3.9m, this figure will change as negotiations are yet to be finalised)
DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES
(a) As per tabled document
(b) As per tabled document
(c) Project must meet application criteria established at Section 238 or Section 239 of the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA)
(d) (i) - (iii) As per tabled document
FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION
(a) The Forest Products Commission (FPC) determines grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance from individual requests.
The FPC has provided grants, loans and financial assistance to the following:
South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo
University of Melbourne
J W Gottstein Memorial Trust
Kristofferson Cup
The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust
Top Shelf Media
Mandurah Performing Arts Centre
Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc (FIAA)
Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference
Timber Advisory Centre
Australian Forest Growers Conference
Forest Heritage Centre
Master Builders Association
Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc
University of Murdoch
(b)
Sponsorship of the South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo. The Expo allows the presentation of the latest information, equipment and demonstrations for the horticulture and plantation forestry industries.
Sponsorship of the annual symposium of the International Forestry Students Association (University of Melbourne). The Internal Forestry Students Symposium allows forestry students to travel to new areas and experience other forestry practices and issues first hand.
Subscriber to the Gottstein Trust Fund, which is national education trust that promotes the development of Australia's forest products industry
Sponsorship of the Kristofferson Cup event. The event focuses on the promotion of Manjimup and the benefits of value adding of our native forest timbers in the regional community.
Provision of sponsorship to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for Churchill Fellowships.
Sponsorship of the Farmlink WA television program (Top Shelf Media)
Financial assistance in the form of a grant to undertake and complete the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom project. Funding provided for the supervision of trainee indigenous youths in design and finewood construction skills and for the use of the additional material required for refurnishing the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre boardroom.
Sponsorship of Australian and Western Australian Furniture of the Year Awards and FIAA Golf Classic.
Sponsorship of the Thirteenth Australian Weeds Conference for a forestry field trip.
Sponsorship of the Timber Advisory Centre’s Lifestyle Home Project
Sponsorship of the Australian Forest Growers Conference
Sponsorship of the Australian School of Finewood student exhibitions (Forest Heritage Centre)
Sponsorship of the Master Builders Association Excellent Awards in Timber Framing and Timber
Sponsorship of the 2003 Western Australian Farmers Federation Conference
Research Grant to Murdoch University (M Murphy) for support of sandalwood seed distribution/ woylie study at Dryandra Woodland.
(c) The Forest Products Commission only engages in financial assistance activities where it will assist to achieve one or all of the following outcomes:
· supports the Commission’s goals and objectives;
· increases the effectiveness of the Commission’s strategic programs;
· communicates key messages to target audiences; and
· enhances the Commission’s public image and reputation.
The Forest Products Commission also utilises and complies with eligibility criteria of the State Supply Commission Policy and Guidelines on Sponsorships and it’s draft policy on financial assistance, grants and sponsorship.
(d)
(i) South West Horticultural and Forestry Expo $20,000.00
University of Melbourne $500.00
J W Gottstein $500.00
Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00
Top Shelf Media $5,000.00
Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $22,220.00
13TH Australian Weeds Conference $4,400.00
Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00
University of Murdoch $6,500.00
(ii) University of Melbourne $500.00
J W Gottstein $600.00
Kristofferson Cup $1,750.00
Top Shelf Media $6,000.00
Mandurah Performing Arts Centre $13,750.00
Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Inc $24,420.00
Timber Advisory Centre $5,500.00
Australian Forest Growers Conference $5,500.00
Forest Heritage Centre $3,300.00
Master Builders Association $600.00
Western Australian Farmers Federation Inc $1,650.00
University of Murdoch $8,000.00
(iii) $75,000.00
MIDWEST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
(a) Mid West Regional Development Scheme
Regional Co-operative Research Fund
Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan
(b) The purpose of the Regional Development Scheme is to improve the economic and social development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that will assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Mid West region.
(c) The eligibility criteria for assistance for the Mid West Regional Development Scheme are:
1. The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive economic and/or social return (e.g., employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Mid West region.
2. The project must fit within the framework of the Mid West Development Commission Strategic Plan.
3. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution.
4. The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders.
5. The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government).
The eligibility criteria for the Regional Co-operative Research Fund are:
1. The project should have the potential to communicate and promote the role of science and technology in the local community
2. The project should contain high standard research activities with economic, social or environmental benefits to then region;
3. At least 80% of the expenditure requested from the fund should occur in the Mid West region;
4. The proposal should not meet the criteria for WAISS or START funding. However, research undertaken by individual businesses may be eligible for support; and
5. Priority will be given for collaborative research to be conducted in conjunction with businesses, academic institutions or government agencies.
Funds provided to the Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan were in the form of sponsorship for a planning workshop process.
(d) i) MWRDS - $400,000
ii) MWRDS - $400,000
RCRF - $40,000
Yalgoo Community Economic Development Plan - $1,500
iii) MWRDS - $400,000
RCRF - $18,000
WHEATBELT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
(a) 2001-2002 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme
UWA Salt Lake Biota
Beverley Brookton Groundwater
2002-2003 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme
Narrogin Recreation Centre sponsorship
Moora promotion sponsorship, (Country Campout)
Dumbleyung Lakes project
Wheatbelt Business Conference
2003-2004 Wheatbelt Regional Development Scheme
(b) 2001-2002 WRDS - To improve the social and economic development of regional Western Australia through funding projects that would assist in attracting investment and increasing jobs in the Wheatbelt region.
UWA Salt Lake Biota research programe
Beverley-Brookton part funding groundwater hydrogeology
Moora promotion sponsorship (Country Campout)
2002-2003 WRDS - Activities to attract and retain investment in the region, support for indigenous groups undertaking regional development activities, projects in remote communities, youth initiatives, diversification/value adding projects and marketing.
Narrogin Recreation Centre – sponsorship
Dumbleyung Lakes project Consultant fees
Wheatbelt Business Conference sponsorship
Avon Valley Tourism Workshop sponsorship
(c) The project must demonstrate that it will result in a positive social and/or economic return (eg, employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Wheatbelt region.
The project must fit within the Goals, Objectives and Strategies of “Shaping The Future – An Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the Wheatbelt Region”.
Applicants must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution.
The project should have the support of Local Government and key regional stakeholders.
The project should promote partnerships (i.e. between the community/business sector and government; or across various levels of government).
(d) The actual expenditure in –
(i) 2001-2002 $456,386
(ii) 2002-2003 $414,497
(iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 $400,000 (WRDS)
GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
a) The Great Southern Development Commission may offer grants under the Regional Development Scheme and from within its own discretionary project funds supplied through the normal Consolidated Fund budget process.
b) Grants made under the Regional Development Scheme (RDS) are made for the purposes as defined in the set RDS grant criteria, namely to provide financial assistance to a mix of capital works and other projects which may include feasibility studies, regional and local marketing programs as well as festivals and events. Grants made by the Commission from its own discretionary funds are made according to established criteria (previously approved by the Board) for incorporated associations and local authorities to pursue or undertake regional development initiatives and projects as authorized under the Regional Development Commission’s Act 1994 and Amendments.
(c) The eligibility criteria for the RDS is quite detailed and includes, inter alia, demonstration of positive economic and/or social return (eg. employment growth, population increase, improve education and information technology links, improve facilities) to the Great Southern region, local Government support, harmony with the Commission’s Strategic Plan and demonstration of a high level of commitment to the project either through sourcing other project funding and/or a direct financial contribution. The eligibility criteria for small grants made by the Commission are similar, namely; applicants must be organisations or industry associations based in the Great Southern region. The project must have the potential to lead to economic development, job creation opportunities and regional development. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the project through financial and in-kind contribution.
(d) (i) The actual expenditure of grants in 2001-2002 was $493,859
(ii) The actual expenditure to date for 2002-2003 is $177,224.
(iii) The budgeted allocation in 2003-2004 for grants is $500,000.
By way of explanation, the drop in grant expenditure from $493,859 to $177,224 in 2002-2003 relates directly to a hiatus period of a year, from April 2002 to April 2003, when power to effect grants was withdrawn until enabling legislation was passed. During that one year period, grants were effected by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on behalf of the Great Southern Development Commission, like all other development commissions.
See Tabled Paper.
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