Frequently asked questions for the Regional Drought Resilience Planning Program – Pilot Implementation Grant

The following frequently asked questions have been created to assist in applying for grants under the Regional Drought Resilience Planning Program – Pilot Implementation Grant (RDRPP).

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When will the application process open?

Applications opened 4 October 2024.

How will the milestone and payments be structured?

There will be 2 milestones comprising 100% payment upfront when the actions are approved and a second milestone comprising completion of a final report within 30 days of activity completion (activities to be completed by 28 November 2025).

Can I use planning underspend with the new grant?

Unspent funds from the development of a finalised Regional Drought Resilience Plan may be approved by the department to carry over to support planning or delivery of the implementation actions.

Can I apply for less than the grant amount?

Yes, if your activity/activities do not require the full amount, only apply for what is required, or achievable for the timeframe.

Why is the deadline for delivery end June 2025?

This deadline has now been extended. All consortia implementation deliverables and the final program report (previously required to be completed by the 30 June 2025) are now both due by 28 November 2025.

This revised completion date is written in a letter exchanged between the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries & Forestry and the NSW Government’s Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development in addition to the Federation Funding Agreement for the Program.

Can I get an extension to deliver beyond end June 2025?

The completion date for implementation grant activities has been extended by the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries & Forestry and the NSW Government to allow council consortia additional time to finalise all implementation activities and to provide a final program report. All consortia implementation deliverables and the final program report (previously required to be completed by 30 June 2025) are now both due by 28 November 2025.

Can another council in the consortia sign be the lead on the deed?

No, as this would further delay the assessment and deed process making the timeframes unachievable. Councils must negotiate between themselves the distribution of delivery tasks.

Does the $50,000 'resource' need to be employed by the lead council?

No, if the Project Control Group (PCG) endorses the resource being commissioned to be within a council (other than the lead) of the PCG, the lead (deed signatory) council can re-issue those funds to the other council through an agreement between councils, however the lead council remains the risk holder of delivery.

How should the money be spilt across the councils?

This should be discussed and agreed by PCGs who should consider the proportion of funds needed to complete the activity in relation to the size of the communities the activities are servicing.

How long will it take for our plan to be approved by the ministers once it's been submitted?

This depends on both ministerial offices. As we don’t want this to delay the implementation application processes, once PCG’s have submitted a final plan to DPIRD to be sent for ministerial approval, the implementation application form will be opened in the SmartyGrants portal.

Does the application need to include benefit for all councils included in the approved RDRP, or can it just focus on one council?

Preferably it wouldn't just focus on one council, but regardless the application needs to be supported by all councils within that PCG.

Does the $50,000 for resource need to be spent by the end of November or can we use it to supplement the salary for a 12-month position?

It cannot go beyond 28 November 2025 and must be for completion of the project.

Will retrospective activities for the project be accepted?

Yes, if they are part of the RDRP approved project activities.