Goulburn Valley Industry and Infrastructure Fund Guidelines
Logos of Victorian State Government and Regional Development Victoria’s Regional Growth Fund
OVERVIEW
Regional Growth Fund
The Regional Growth Fund (RGF) is a key platform of the Victorian Government’s agenda to drive growth and prosperity in regional Victoria. The RGF contributes to a thriving regional economy and improves quality of life for regional Victorians. through four strategic objectives:
strengthening the economic base of regional Victoria;
facilitating the creation of jobs and improvement of career options for regional Victorians;
supporting the resilience and sustainability of communities in regional Victoria; and
increasing the capacity of regional communities to drive development in their region.
Regional Development Victoria (RDV) administers the RGF.
1.2 Purpose of this document
This document sets out the guidelines for the Goulburn Valley Industry and Infrastructure Fund component of the RGF.
DESCRIPTION AND OBJECTIVES OF PROGRAM
2.1 What is the Goulburn Valley Industry and Infrastructure Fund?
The Goulburn Valley Industry and Infrastructure Fund (the Fund, or GVIIF) is a contestable grants program to assist the Goulburn Valley to manage the challenge of structural adjustment, and reposition its economy for sustainable long term growth.
The objectives of the GVIIF are to:
invest in enabling strategic infrastructure to transform and transition the Goulburn Valley economy
stimulate business/industry in agriculture and related food processing sectors
facilitate increased export opportunities (both domestic and international), or import substitution
create or retain jobs, and stimulate economic growth through supply chain innovation and revitalisation.
The GVIIF will prioritise projects that support food processing and related manufacturing, particularly in the context of agricultural industries, but not excluding other innovative business / industry development and diversification opportunities.
2.2 Why is the Victorian Government funding these grants?
The Victorian Government has made $5 million available to the Goulburn Valley in the face of structural challenges affecting agriculture and related manufacturing industries.
The region is of national significance for horticulture, fruit production and processing, with horticulture contributing 30% to the regional economy and providing significant employment opportunities[1]. The economic prosperity of the region has been tested over the last decade due to long term drought, recent floods and population shifts, accelerated by the rate of structural change due to international competition, slowing economic growth and environmental change.
However, the Goulburn Valley region has a number of competitive advantages. These include recently upgraded water infrastructure, substantial businesses in food processing and related manufacturing, a strong natural resource base and its location on major transport routes.
The locally led Goulburn Valley Industry and Employment Taskforce delivered the Goulburn Valley Industry and Employment Plan (the Plan) in December 2013, following five months of consultation and engagement in the region. The Plan identified strategies to manage change, and build economic resilience in industries, businesses and communities.
The three strategic pillars identified include
Strengthen the agriculture sector
Develop the region’s wealth generators
Advance leadership and innovation through an adaptive business environment
WHAT PROJECTS CAN BE FUNDED?
What can be funded?
The GVIIF will support projects that:
Deliver assets to create new long term jobs and/or secure existing business operations
Facilitate new investment requiring critical enabling infrastructure to proceed
Deliver facilities that build on regional assets or strengths and/or respond to an identified regional need
Better integrate supply chains and/or improve the efficiency and productivity of existing assets
Achieve improved manufacturing processes so that businesses are more productive, efficient, competitive and sustainable
Core criteria are listed in Section 5.
Activities that would not generally be funded
The following activities would not generally be considered for funding:
Infrastructure to meet regulatory and/or legislative requirements
Requests for retrospective funding, where projects have been completed or have commenced prior to receiving funding approval
Requests relating to increases to, or changes in primary production
Projects which involve no sustained net increase in economic activity in the Goulburn Valley region
Feasibility studies, business plans, cost benefit analyses and economic impact studies (refer to the Developing Stronger Regions program of the RGF for these types of projects)
Ongoing operating costs or salary subsidies
Projects relating to commercial property development
Projects undertaken by the private sector as a result of government contractual arrangements
Projects requiring full funding where funding is normally provided from state, commonwealth and/or local government sources
Projects requiring ongoing funding from State Government once completed
Who can apply?
For the purposes of the Fund, the Goulburn Valley is spatially defined by the Local Government areas of the City of Greater Shepparton, and the Shires of Moira, Campaspe and Strathbogie.
Applications for the Fund will be considered from:
Local Councils including the City of Greater Shepparton, and the Shires of Moira, Campaspe and Strathbogie
Private sector businesses, industry groups or agencies
Not for profit organisations that:
Are an incorporated body, co-operative or association (including business associations) and
Have an Australian Business Number (ABN) or can provide written advice from the Australian Tax Office that no withholding tax is required from the grant payment
Regional organisations and educational institutions
All applications other than those from Budget Sector Government Agencies will require formal support from the councils affected by the project in the Goulburn Valley.
Individuals are not eligible to apply.
WHAT ARE THE FUNDING DETAILS?
There are two levels of contestable grant funding available:
Up to $250,000
Greater than $250,000
Applicants are expected to make a financial contribution or source third party funding. Projects should maximise their funding support from a range of sources, including private sector and regional organisations, Federal and local government and the community. ‘In kind’ contributions are not accepted as part of the funding contribution.
APPLICATION AND ASSESSMENT PROCESSES
To ensure the suitability of projects, all prospective applicants should follow the process outlined below. Grants are subject to two different application and assessment processes as described in Step 3 of Section 5.
Potential applicants should note that for grant requests over $250,000 a more detailed application and assessment process will be undertaken.
Step 1: Before applying
Prior to submitting an application, prospective applicants are advised to:
read these Guidelines carefully to establish eligibility;
discuss the proposed project with an officer in Regional Development Victoria (RDV) (refer Section 7 for contact details); and
read the Terms and Conditions upon which the funding will be offered.
Prospective applicants should note that projects may not proceed to the formal application and assessment process where the project:
can be implemented through another government funding program, and if appropriate, prospective applicants may be referred to this funding program;
does not strongly demonstrate economic, social and environmental benefits;
is not ready for implementation;
is not strongly aligned to state or regional priorities;
does not strongly demonstrate need for support that meets the criteria of the Fund; and
does not maximise funding support from other sources.
Once project suitability is determined with an RDV officer, an Application Form should be completed.
Step 2: Preparing an Application
Prospective applicants should use the Application to clearly and succinctly describe the project, its objectives, outcomes and the infrastructure requirements. Documentation to support the project (e.g. feasibility study, letter of support etc) should be attached to the Application.
GST
Prospective applicants should note that all project costs included in the Application must be exclusive of GST.
The grant to be paid by RDV will be “grossed up” by the amount of GST, provided the applicant provides details of registration for the GST, or proof of exemption from being required to register. (Please note this does not apply to Local Government).
Who signs the application?
Applications from Councils must be signed by the Chief Executive Officer. Where there is more than one Council involved, a Chief Executive Officer must be nominated to represent all councils involved. Applications from other parties must be signed by the Chief Executive Officer (or equivalent).
Core criteria
In preparing the application, prospective applicants will be asked to demonstrate the project’s ability to address each of the following criteria:
a) Economic benefits;
b) Social and environmental benefits
c) Alignment with state and regional priorities and demonstrated project need
d) Demonstrated project feasibility and delivery;
d) Financial viability; and
e) Maximising value to the State.
Economic benefits
Applications should demonstrate clearly how the proposed project will:
result in new investment and complement other investments in the designated region;
create jobs or retain jobs and stimulate economic growth;
strengthen the workforce in the region;
support an increase in competitiveness and/or innovation;
result in strategic industry development or build resilience in the supply chain; and/or
remove barriers and/or create a direct incentive for business investment in the Goulburn Valley.
Projects that also facilitate the integration of the Goulburn Valley into global markets (eg generate, promote or expand exports/export markets and/or replace imports) may be prioritised.
Social and environmental benefits
Applications should demonstrate clearly how the proposed project:
enjoys relevant community and industry support;
is consistent with environmentally sustainable development and results in demonstrated environmental benefits;
builds on identified key regional strengths; and/or
provides an adequate social return to the community.
Regional Growth Fund Application Guidelines
Alignment with State and regional priorities and demonstrated project need
Applications will need to clearly demonstrate the project need, including the problem that the project is seeking to resolve, and the compelling reason for State Government assistance.
Applications will need to demonstrate how the project aligns with the Goulburn Valley Industry and Employment Plan 2013, and the Goulburn Valley Fruit Growers’ Roadmap 2013 and their strategic directions. Applicants will also need to demonstrate how the project aligns with the relevant regional strategic plan priorities, and any relevant State Government policies.
Prospective applicants can seek guidance from RDV staff on the alignment of the project with these plans and policies. Refer contact details in Section 7.
Demonstrated project feasibility and delivery
Applications should clearly demonstrate:
that all legal, land tenure, planning and environmental issues have been identified and resolved or satisfactory resolution strategies are in place;
access to suitable project management in both the developmental and operational phases of the project; and
that project risks have been identified and strategies are in place to manage them.
e) Financial viability
Prospective applicants will be asked to provide copies of annual reports and audited financial statements covering the last three years with their application to enable RDV to assess their financial viability and their ability to manage and complete the project.
Note: State Government departments and statutory agencies, local governments, and publicly funded universities and educational institutions are exempt from this step.
f) Maximising value to the State
Applications should demonstrate and provide evidence of how the project maximises funding support from a range of sources, including private sector and regional organisations, Federal and local government and the community.
Prospective applicants must be able to demonstrate that the viability of the project is not dependent on ongoing funding or continuing government support.
Where future operating costs are an issue, the prospective applicant needs to clearly demonstrate how those costs will be underwritten without a recurrent subsidy from State Government sources.
Prospective applicants should consider contacting the Industry Capability Network ( who will work collaboratively with prospective applicants to help identify competitive local suppliers.
Step 3: Application assessment
Applications received by RDV will undergo an assessment based on the size of the Grant requested.
Grant requests up to $250,000
The application will be assessed by RDV determining the eligibility of the project proposed in the application for funding by assessing the project’s ability to meet the “core criteria”. Key risks and issues associated with the project will also be considered before recommendations are made to the Minister for Regional and Rural Development.
Grant requests over $250,000
Applications undergo a two-stage assessment process. The first stage involves RDV determining the eligibility of the project proposed in the application for funding by assessing the project’s ability to meet the “core criteria”. The first stage will also consider key risks and issues associated with the project.
In the second stage, the application will proceed to an inter-departmental committee, the Regional Economic Infrastructure Committee (REIC) for consideration and assessment. The REIC is responsible for making an appropriate recommendation to the Minister for Regional and Rural Development regarding project applications received under the Goulburn Valley Industry and Infrastructure Fund Program.
In making its recommendation, the REIC will consider a range of matters, including the project’s fit with the eligibility criteria, alignment with State Government policy, availability of funding, and the outcomes realised from previous funding, if any, provided to the prospective applicant.
The REIC is chaired by RDV and includes representatives from the Department of Premier and Cabinet, the Department of Treasury and Finance, the Department of Transport, Planning and Local Infrastructure, and the Department of State Development, Business and Innovation. Where relevant, comments and advice will be sought from a range of state government departments and agencies.
Step 4: Approval and notification
For all applications the Minister for Regional and Rural Development has the ultimate decision-making responsibility and will consider the advice received. The Minister for Regional and Rural Development will determine whether or not to approve the project, and if approved will determine what conditions, if any, apply to the funding offer.
Applicants are advised of the decision relating to their application in writing. Successful applicants will receive a Letter of Offer from the Minister for Regional and Rural Development, which will outline the funding obligations attached to the offer of funding.
Regional Growth Fund Application Guidelines
CONDITIONS OF FUNDING
6.1 Funding Agreements
Successful applicants will be required to enter into a funding agreement with RDV detailing all funding obligations and conditions. The standard terms and conditions upon which the funding is offered are available by contacting RDV on 03 9027 5456.
The funding agreement is a legally enforceable document that clearly defines the obligations of both parties. The funding agreement aims to protect the Government’s interests and to ensure the efficient and effective use of public money, while also ensuring there is appropriate recognition of Victorian Government support on project related publications, media releases and promotional material.
Funding agreements must be signed by the organisation’s Chief Executive Officer (or equivalent) and will:
describe the purpose for which the funding must be used;
set out any requirements or conditions that must be met prior to the payment of a grant instalment; and
outline agreed milestones and project outcomes that must be achieved before payment of a grant instalment.
Once the funding agreement has been executed, the applicant will be required to actively manage and deliver the project, and provide progress reports to RDV. During the course of the project, RDV may conduct site visits as necessary.
In some instances, based on project size, complexity and the amount of funding being provided, a Project Control Group (or equivalent) may need to be established with regular meetings and reports. RDV may be either a participant or observer in these meetings.
Successful applicants must enter into a funding agreement and commence the project within one year from the date of offer of funding. If a project does not commence within this timeframe, the grant will be reviewed by RDV.
6.2 Evaluation and reporting
Successful applicants will generally be required to submit progress and completion reports, assessing progress of the project against milestones, and providing evidence of project completion.
After completion of the project, applicants must submit annual evaluation reports assessing the success of the project in meeting its stated objectives. These evaluation reports may be required for up to three years following completion of the funded project. Successfully funded projects may be required to contribute information on project outcomes for use in program evaluation reviews and/or for RDV marketing collateral.
Competitive neutrality
All successful applications to the GVIIF, from a government body, including local government, government departments and government business enterprises, will be required to comply with the Competitive Neutrality Policy Victoria in respect of any commercial goods or services offered by the body as a result of the grant.
Privacy
Any personal information about you or a third party in your application will be collected by RDV, a body within Department of State Development Business and Industry (DSDBI), for the purpose of grant administration. This information may be provided to other Victorian government bodies for the purposes of assessing your application. If you intend to include personal information about third parties in your application, please ensure that they are aware of the contents of this Privacy Statement.