Places to Swim

Council is required to submit the following documentation at application stages:

• concept plan and imagery to communicate the design of the project
• community engagement outcomes report or plan for community engagement
• in-principle support from partners if needed
• high quality images of project location
• aerial map showing project location
• risk assessment
• project budget breakdown
• project plan (maximum 10 pages)
• project schedule
• image/s of desired materials for implementation (optional)
• details of water quality management that details the water is safe for access by people and the program for ongoing water quality checks
• letter/s of support from local businesses or local business associations, community groups, institutions (for example, schools, universities or cultural institutions) (optional).

• Up to $1 million - Improvements to open spaces that will directly support swimming in natural bodies of water. Amenities and facilities that directly support the recreational use of the waterways.
• Up to $750,000 - Improvements for water-based recreation such as launching small nonpowered watercraft (such as kayaks, canoes and paddle boards). Amenities and facilities that directly support the recreational use of the waterways.
• Up to $500,000 - Walking tracks/trails and infrastructure that directly connect to and support access to water for recreation (not including boat ramps, fishing infrastructure and boating infrastructure). Water playspaces that offer a place to enjoy water-based recreation for those local government areas that do not have direct access to lakes, rivers or harbours. Amenities and facilities that directly support the recreational use of the waterways.

1. Program alignment and project clarity - The project scope is clearly stated and supports the objectives of the program, demonstrating in, on or around objectives.
2. Inclusion - The project will be designed and delivered to enable all community members to get in, on or around water.
3. Innovation - The project clearly demonstrates best practice methodologies and outcomes that offer learnings that can be shared across government and industry in the creation of water recreation spaces. The project does not revert to a ‘business as usual’ approach. The project clearly demonstrates at least one of the three objectives of the Places to Swim program - Can I get in, on or around water.
4. Collaboration -  The project drives collaboration and partnerships with community, businesses and institutions, taking a place-based approach. Plans for collaboration between individuals and/or institutions to develop the project are clearly articulated. Approach to engaging the community in the project is clearly articulated including ensuring engagement is inclusive.
5. Environmental sustainability - The project demonstrates how the health and safety of the community and the local environment will be sustained and enhanced during construction and in operation of the facility.
6. Financial viability - Project budget clearly outlines the most significant cost line-items required for the development of the project, along with a reasonable timeline for the expenses (Direct and in-kind costs are identified).
7. Deliverability - Project methodology is clear and feasible within the parameters of the program.
8. Timeliness of delivery - Applicant demonstrates commitment to roll out project quickly. Project schedule and project plan is clear and identifies key deliverable dates within program timeframes.
9. Risk mitigation - Risk assessment included with strategies to mitigate project risks.
10. Value for money - Project uses funding effectively to maximise the scale and impact of the project. Projects that include applicant contributions will be considered favourably.