Indigenous Tourism Projects: FAQs

Who can apply for the Indigenous Projects Stream of RGETF?

To be eligible for this stream, you must:

1. have submitted an Expression of Interest to Round One of RGETF (closed 20 April 2017)
2. be invited by the Department of Premier and Cabinet to apply under Round Two of RGETF – Indigenous Projects Stream.

What kinds of projects are eligible? What kinds of projects are not eligible?

Funding under the RGETF is only available for the construction of new infrastructure or the refurbishment or improvement of an existing facility or site. Further detail is listed in the Program Guidelines.

Do projects require a Benefit to Cost Ratio (BCR) above 1.0 to be eligible for funding under this stream?

Projects funded under the RGETF – Indigenous Stream are not required to achieve a BCR of above 1.0. However, projects are required to demonstrate the project will have a positive impact on productivity, job creation and economic growth in regional NSW.

Applications should demonstrate how the project would:

• have the capacity to assist deliver jobs, training opportunities and/or economic growth
• contribute to increasing visitation and visitor spend in regional NSW, and
• contribute to increased Indigenous training, employment and/or business outcomes in the visitor economy.

Applicants will need to define, quantify and provide evidence to support their claims. The data sheet to accompany the Business Case is important to support this and you should submit a comprehensive data sheet with the application.

Applications may undergo a Cost Benefit Analysis conducted in accordance with NSW Treasury Government Guidelines.

What information do I need to submit with my application?

You need to complete a business case, data sheet, and other supporting documents where relevant. See the 'Submitting an application' section of the Program Guidelines. 

Please read all relevant documents relating to RGETF Indigenous projects stream.

Why do I have to submit a data sheet if the BCR requirement does not apply?

 Although projects are not required to achieve a BCR above one, applications are expected to use the data sheet to clearly articulate the economic outcomes that the project will deliver.

What data sheet should be submitted with the application?

DPC prefers that applicants use the RGETF data sheet. However, if you have recently completed data sheets for the same project based on a previous DPC data sheet template, you can submit this data sheet provided the data has not changed.

Can applicants vary the amount requested under Round Two from the amount requested in their Round One RGETF application?

Yes, applicants are encouraged to present options for how their projects can be staged, noting that each stage must be a standalone project and not be reliant on future funding. Applicants may be offered partial or staged funding for their project if appropriate.

The NSW Government aims to distribute the $20 million funding available under the RGETF - Indigenous projects stream to a range of projects across the state.

Can applicants invited under the Indigenous projects stream apply for funding for a project different to the one submitted under RGETF Round One?

No. The Indigenous projects stream is only available for the projects that were submitted to RGETF Round One. Applications are by invitation only.

The substance of the project needs to remain the same as submitted under RGETF Round One. In reviewing applications, the Assessment Panel may consider changes in the costs or benefits of the project, or reasonable changes to the scope where these have been made on practical grounds (for example, regulatory requirements) or to deliver greater benefit. These applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis and applicants should ensure the application provides sufficient information to substantiate the reason for any changes.

In applications where the scope of the project has changed substantially (for example, the original application was to construct a walking track and the Round Two application is to construct a tourist centre) are unlikely to be considered eligible.

While the substance of the project should remain the same, applicants are encouraged to present options for how their projects can be staged, noting that each stage must be a standalone project and not be reliant on future funding.

Do applicants need to make a financial co-contribution to the project?

There is no minimum financial co-contribution required, however, you are encouraged to leverage potential RGETF funding with funding from other sources, where available.

If my project involves partnering with another organisation, do I list both organisations in the business case?

Yes, all applicants for joint applications need to be listed in the business case.

Does my project need to be on public land?

The project must be located on public land or private land where there is a clear public benefit.

Applications should clearly describe the status and ownership of the land on which the project will be located. If the project is on private land, the application should present the written consent from the land owner for the project if the owner is not the applicant.

If my project is currently being considered for funding under another NSW Government fund, can I still submit an application under the RGETF Indigenous projects stream?

Yes. However, if your application is successful in securing full funding from another program, you will no longer be considered eligible for funding under RGETF. You should advise the Department of Premier and Cabinet as soon as possible if you have received funding for your project.

If part of your project has received partial funding from another NSW Government program you can apply for the unfunded component of your project.

How will my application be assessed?

All projects will be assessed against the criteria set out in the program guidelines. A Panel chaired by the Department of Premier and Cabinet may offer an opportunity for applicants to engage in-person/on-country as an additional process to the review and assessment of the Business Case. A probity advisor will be present as part of the assessment processes.

During the application assessment process applicants may be asked to clarify information. DPC may consult on applications with relevant stakeholder groups, which may include other NSW and Australian Government agencies, local councils, Members of Parliament, independent experts and other relevant external parties.

What will happen if my application is successful?

If you are successful, you will receive a written offer, including any specific conditions attached to the grant. A funding deed must be executed before any payments can be made. Organisations must not make financial commitments for funded activities until deeds have been executed.

If my application is successful, how will I receive the funding?

Payment of funding is staged through the successful completion and reporting of milestones. To receive a milestone payment, grant recipients must submit reports in line with the funding deed.

The funds must be spent on items or costs directly related to the project as specified in the funding deed. Payments are made in arrears, in accordance with the deed requirements and are made on the basis of progress claims and reporting for works completed.

 Will the information supplied in the application remain confidential?

Information submitted by the applicant may be provided to other organisations for the purposes of eligibility and project appraisal.

Summary information about the project application may be posted on NSW Government websites unless you advise that you do not agree to its publication.

Applicants should identify any information submitted which they wish to be considered as confidential, supported by reasons for the request. Except as disclosed, the Department of Premier and Cabinet will keep all information confidential and secure.

Any request made under the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 for access to an application, including information marked 'confidential' will be determined in accordance with the Act.

Where can I get more information about how to apply?

For further information regarding please refer to Regional Growth – Environment and Tourism Fund – Indigenous projects stream.

For anything further, please contact your local Department of Premier and Cabinet Regional office via:

• Email – regionalnsw.business@dpc.nsw.gov.au
• Phone – 1300 679 673.