Notice of Meeting:

I hereby give notice that an ordinary meeting of the Grants Subcommittee will be held on:

 

Date:                             Wednesday 15 May 2019

Time:                            9.00 am

Venue:                          Edinburgh Room, Municipal Chambers, The Octagon, Dunedin

 

Sue Bidrose

Chief Executive Officer

 

Grants Subcommittee

Arts, Creative Communities, Professional Theatre, Community Events, Community, Waste Minimisation, Biodiversity

PUBLIC AGENDA

 

MEMBERSHIP

 

Chairperson

Cr Aaron Hawkins

 

Deputy Chairperson

Cr Andrew Whiley

 

Members

Nick Austin

John Barkla

 

Carolyn Campbell

Amanda Dyer

 

Cr Christine Garey

Peter Hayden

 

Cr Marie Laufiso

Hannah Molloy

 

Lois Scott

Desiree Williams

 

Senior Officer                                Joy Gunn, Manager Community Development and Events

 

Governance Support Officer       Rebecca Murray

 

 

 

Rebecca Murray

Governance Support Officer

 

 

Telephone: 03 477 4000

Rebecca.Murray@dcc.govt.nz

www.dunedin.govt.nz

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Note: Reports and recommendations contained in this agenda are not to be considered as Council policy until adopted.

 


Grants Subcommittee

15 May 2019

 

 

 

ITEM TABLE OF CONTENTS                                                                    PAGE

 

1        Public Forum                                                                                              4

2        Apologies                                                                                                  4

3        Confirmation of Agenda                                                                                4

4        Declaration of Interest                                                                                 5      

Part A Reports (Committee  has power to decide these matters)

5        Community and Creative Communities Grants March 2019                                  11

6        Waste Minimisation Grants March 2019                                                          25

7        Dunedin Biodiversity Fund - Final reports on completed projects                           36

8        Dunedin Biodiversity Fund - Applications to the April 2019 funding round                96             

 

 


Grants Subcommittee

15 May 2019

 

 

 

1     Public Forum

At the close of the agenda no requests for public forum had been received.

2     Apologies

Apologies have been received from John Barkla and Nick Austin.

 

That the Subcommittee:

 

Accepts the apologies from John Barkla and Nick Austin.

3     Confirmation of agenda

Note: Any additions must be approved by resolution with an explanation as to why they cannot be delayed until a future meeting.


Grants Subcommittee

15 May 2019

 

 

Declaration of Interest

 

  

 

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1.     Members are reminded of the need to stand aside from decision-making when a conflict arises between their role as an elected representative and any private or other external interest they might have.

 

2.     Elected members are reminded to update their register of interests as soon as practicable, including amending the register at this meeting if necessary.

 

RECOMMENDATIONS

That the Subcommittee:

a)     Notes/Amends if necessary the Elected or Independent Members' Interest Register attached as Attachment A; and

b)     Confirms/Amends the proposed management plan for Elected or Independent Members' Interests.

 

 

Attachments

 

Title

Page

a

Declaration of Interests

7

  



Grants Subcommittee

15 May 2019

 

 

PDF Creator


 

PDF Creator


 

PDF Creator

 

    



Grants Subcommittee

15 May 2019

 

 

Part A Reports

 

Community and Creative Communities Grants March 2019

Department: Community and Planning

 

 

 

 

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1      This report summarises applications received during the March 2019 grants round for Community, Community Events, Community Arts, Professional Theatre, and Creative Communities grant funding. The Grants Subcommittee is requested to decide on the funding allocation for all grant applications received, with the exception of withdrawn applications.

2      The report also notes the funding already allocated between 1 October 2018 and 31 March 2019 for Small Project and Neighbourhood Matching Grants. Funding applications for Small Project and Neighbourhood Matching Grants (under $500) are assessed by staff and decided upon by the Grants Subcommittee Chair or another delegated Subcommittee member.

RECOMMENDATIONS

That the Subcommittee:

a)     Notes the funding allocated between 1 October 2018 and April 2019 for Small Project, Neighbourhood Matching.

b)     Decides the grants funding to be allocated to applicants from the following funds; Community, Community Events, Community Arts, Professional Theatre and Creative Communities.

 

BACKGROUND

3      Applications opened for the Community, Community Events, Community Arts, Professional Theatre, and Creative Communities Funds on 4 March and closed on 29 March 2019.

4      Prior to and during the application period, email notifications and workshops were provided by Council staff to raise awareness of the grants available and the criteria. Public notices in newspapers and radio advertising were also undertaken. Potential applicants were encouraged to communicate with staff before applying so that additional advice and information could be given.

5      The table below sets out the grant applications received, applications withdrawn, the total requested under each fund and total available under each fund.

 

 

Grant Fund Name

Number of Applications Received

Number Withdrawn

Total Requested

Total Available (March 2019 Round)

Community Grants

31

1

$138,635.46

$101,046.01

Community Events

22

 

$93,425.80

 

$43,925.00

Arts

12

1

$48,471.06

$35,100.00

Professional Theatre

6

 

$70,600.00

$80,000.00

Creative Communities

22

1

$59,387.68

$48,943.00

DISCUSSION

6      The Grants Subcommittee has been provided with the full applications from each grant applicant along with Assessment Comments from staff. 

7      A summary of applications is provided in the attachments to this report.

OPTIONS

8      There are no options as the Subcommittee is delegated to make decisions on grants for the Funds covered within this report.

NEXT STEPS

9      Following the Committee’s decision related to the above grant applications, staff will notify each applicant of the outcomes.  Successful applicants will be provided funding by 1 June 2019.  Unsuccessful applicants will be advised by telephone and then in writing.

10    The next funding round for Community, Community Events, Arts, Professional Theatre and Creative Communities will be advertised in September 2019.

 

Signatories

Author:

Paul Coffey - Community Advisor

Authoriser:

Nicola Pinfold - Group Manager Community and Planning

Sandy Graham - General Manager City Services

Attachments

 

Title

Page

a

Arts Grants Summary of Applications

16

b

Creative Communities Scheme Summary of Applications

17

c

Professional Theatre Grants Summarry of applications

19

d

Community Events Grants Summary of Applications

20

e

Community Grants Summary of Applications

22

f

Neighbourhood Matching and Small Project Grants Summary

24

 

SUMMARY OF CONSIDERATIONS

 

Fit with purpose of Local Government

This report enables democratic local decision making and action by, and on behalf of communities.

 

Fit with strategic framework

 

Contributes

Detracts

Not applicable

Social Wellbeing Strategy

Economic Development Strategy

Environment Strategy

Arts and Culture Strategy

3 Waters Strategy

Spatial Plan

Integrated Transport Strategy

Parks and Recreation Strategy

Other strategic projects/policies/plans

 

Grant funds covered within this report reflect the Council’s Social Wellbeing, Ara Toi Arts and Culture and, the Parks and Recreation Strategies. In addition, applications reflected the goals of the Dunedin Festival and Events Plan 2018 – 2023.

Māori Impact Statement

A number of grant applications support celebration / learning opportunities for and from Maori within the community. There is no identified adverse impact within the applications for Maori.

Sustainability

Applications considered in this report can be considered to contribute positively to the long-term sustainability of the social, economic, cultural and natural environment of Dunedin.

LTP/Annual Plan / Financial Strategy /Infrastructure Strategy

Grant funding is budgeted within the current 10 Year and Annual Plan.

Financial considerations

Grants will be expended from the funds within approved budgets.

Significance

This decision is considered to be of low significance under the Council’s Significance and Engagement Policy

Engagement – external

There has been considerable engagement with grant applicants (emails, face to face discussions and phone conversations).  A public funding seminar was held in early March with Department of Internal Affairs and Otago Community Trust.

Engagement - internal

Work has been undertaken with Governance Support Officers and the Finance Team. Community Development, Events and Ara Toi staff have also liaised regarding projects which seek funding for the same projects / events, but from different funding pools, to ensure transparency and reduce any duplication of funding.

Risks: Legal / Health and Safety etc.

There are no known risks to funding of projects / activities applied for.

Conflict of Interest

There are no identified conflicts of interest.

Community Boards

A number of the grant applications are for events and activities within Community Board areas.  It is not a requirement that applicants engage with Community Boards on projects / activities within these areas, but a number do make connections, it is noted where funds have been provided to the organisation from Community Boards.

 

 


Grants Subcommittee

15 May 2019

 

 

PDF Creator


Grants Subcommittee

15 May 2019

 

 

PDF Creator


 

PDF Creator


Grants Subcommittee

15 May 2019

 

 

PDF Creator


Grants Subcommittee

15 May 2019

 

 

PDF Creator


 

PDF Creator


Grants Subcommittee

15 May 2019

 

 

PDF Creator


 

PDF Creator


Grants Subcommittee

15 May 2019

 

 

PDF Creator


Grants Subcommittee

15 May 2019

 

 

 

Waste Minimisation Grants March 2019

Department: Waste and Environmental Solutions

 

 

 

 

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 

1      This report summarises applications received during the March 2019 Waste Minimisation grants round.  

2      The Grants Subcommittee has the delegation to decide the funding allocation for the Waste Minimisation Community Project/Initiative Grants and the Waste Minimisation Innovation and Development (Commercial) Grants.

3      The purpose of this report is to assist the Grants Subcommittee to consider the applications by providing a summary of the funding criteria, information on the applications received including the amount of funding requested, and the amount of funding available.

RECOMMENDATIONS

That the Subcommittee:

a)     Notes the funding allocated to organisations for Waste Minimisation Small Project Grants.

b)     Notes Waste Minimisation grants are funded by the Ministry for the Environment using Waste Levy funds and are not rates funded.

c)     Decides the grants funding to be allocated to applicants to the Waste Minimisation Community Project/Initiative, and Waste Minimisation Innovation and Development (Commercial) Grants.

 

BACKGROUND

4      The Waste Minimisation Act 2008 (the Act) – Part 4; Responsibilities of Territorial Authorities in Relation to Waste Management and Minimisation; section 47 Grants, allows for the provision of grant money to any person, organisation, group or body of persons for the purpose of promoting or achieving waste management and minimisation. A grant may be made on any terms or conditions that the territorial authority thinks fit. 

5      Dunedin City Council (DCC) adopted their Waste Management and Minimisation Plan (WMMP) in September 2013. This plan provides for the allocation of grants to be made in accordance with the Act.

6      Three Waste Minimisation Grants were established:

·           Waste Minimisation Small Grants

·           Waste Minimisation Community Project/Initiative Grants

·           Waste Minimisation Innovation and Development (Commercial) Grants

7      Waste Minimisation Small Grants up to $500 are open year-round and therefore do not form part of the March and September funding rounds. Waste Minimisation Small Grants have already been approved for this financial year by the Grants Subcommittee Chair, with a total value of $2,763 having been allocated to six community organisations.

8      Applications opened for the Waste Minimisation Community Project/Initiative Grants and Waste Minimisation Innovation and Development (Commercial) Grants on 4 March and closed on 29 March 2019.

9      This is the first round of funding for these Waste Minimisation Grants.

Grant Fund Name

Number of Applications Received

Number Withdrawn

Total Requested

Maximum Individual Grant

Total Available (March 2019 Round)

Waste Minimisation Community Project/Initiative Grants

7

0

$32,991

 

$5,000

$30,000

 

Waste Minimisation Innovation and Development (Commercial Grants)

2

0

$55,000

$40,000

$40,000

 

10    Note: The ‘Total Requested’ has been adjusted on the bases that Te Hou Ora Whanau Services requested $8,040 in their funding application which is over the maximum individual funding allocation for the Waste Minimisation Community Projects/Initiative Grant. The maximum grant allocation of $5,000 was then used which brought the Total Requested to $32,991.

Waste Minimisation Community Project/Initiative Grant

11    This grant can be provided to not-for profits, schools, charitable and voluntary community groups or organisations only, and not to individuals. The grants funding is for projects within the Dunedin district. Grants are not awarded retrospectively.

12    Funding is available for activities such as:

·           Waste minimisation projects, like making reusable bags from discarded materials

·           Setting up a recycling system in your school

·           Waste and material diversion for reuse, recycling or recovery for example composting initiatives or repairing for reuse

·           Waste minimisation educational programmes such as workshops on how to make reusable sandwich wraps to avoid cling film use

·           Waste minimisation promotional activities such as reducing the use of singe use coffee cups and water bottles in favour of reusable options

Waste Minimisation Innovation/Development (Commercial) Grant

13    The purpose of this fund is to build local capability in the resource recovery sector. It is intended to support local economic benefit and employment opportunities, innovation, and design which retains material and value from diverted material and/or minimises waste. This may take the form of infrastructure, services, new products research and development, education and promotional activities. Collaborative projects are encouraged.

14    Funding is available for activities such as:

·           Viability studies

·           Business case development outlining purpose, scope and benefits of the project

·           Design and development

·           Materials/equipment and plant

·           Skills development

·           Pilot programmes and trials

·           Education programmes

·           Research and development that is not aimed at supporting the attainment of a qualification

·           Project execution/implementation costs

·           Waste and material diversion for reuse, recycling, or recovery (for example composting initiatives or repairing for reuse)

15    Grant applicants were assessed by Waste and Environment Solutions staff against the following criteria:

·           Clearly and directly benefits the wider community

·           Aligns with the Vision and Goals of the DCC’s WMMP

·           Builds local resource recovery capability

·           Minimises or diverts targeted waste streams

·           Promotes zero waste education

·           Research, development and design for future waste minimisation initiatives

·           Applicants must contribute a minimum 30% of the total project cost

16    What types of activities can’t be applied for?

·           Subsidising the cost of waste to landfill

·           Individuals working on private projects

·           Debt servicing

·           Activities which duplicate other demonstrated projects or pilot studies

·           Research and development in support of gaining a qualification

17    Potential applicants were encouraged to communicate with staff before applying for a grant so additional advice and information could be given. Prior to and during the application period email notifications and workshops were provided by Council staff to raise awareness of the grants available and the assessment criteria. Radio advertising took place and grant information was also made available on DCC’s website.

DISCUSSION

18    For this round of contestable grant funding, $30,000 is available for Waste Minimisation Community Project/Initiative Grants, and $40,000 is available for Waste Minimisation Innovation and Development (Commercial) Grants. This is the entire financial years funding allocation. In future there will be two funding rounds per year (i.e. 2 x $15,000) for Waste Minimisation Community Project/Initiative Grants rounds in September and March, and $40,000 for an annual Waste Minimisation Innovation and Development (Commercial) Grant round in September.

19    Waste Minimisation Grants are contestable and restrained by the funding allocation for each grant type. A successful grant applicant may receive the entire grant allocation or a portion of what was applied for.  The grant may be spread across a number of applicants.

20    Staff have assessed all Waste Minimisation Grant applications and have made recommendations to the Grants Subcommittee. There were some cases were funding applications did not meet the criteria and this is reflected in the recommendations made. If staff recommendations are adopted, the Community Projects/Initiative Fund will have $2,222 funding unallocated.  The Grants Committee may wish to apportion this to one or several of the Community Project/Initiative applicants. 

21    Waste Minimisation grants are funded by the Ministry for Environment from Waste Levy funding, they are not DCC rates funded.

OPTIONS

22    There are no options as the Waste Minimisation Grants Subcommittee is delegated to make decisions on grants for the Funds covered in this report.

NEXT STEPS

23    Following the Subcommittee’s decision on the grant applications, staff will notify each applicant of the outcomes. Successful applicants will be provided funding by 1 June 2019. Unsuccessful applicants will be advised by telephone and then in writing.

 

Signatories

Author:

Catherine Irvine - Solid Waste Manager

Authoriser:

Chris Henderson - Group Manager Waste and Environmental Solutions

Simon Drew - General Manager Infrastructure Services

Attachments

 

Title

Page

a

Waste Minimisation Small Grants

32

b

Waste Minimisation Community Project/Initiative Grant

33

c

Waste Minimisation Project and Initiative Grant

35

 

SUMMARY OF CONSIDERATIONS

 

Fit with purpose of Local Government

This decision/report/proposal enables democratic local decision making and action by, and on behalf of communities.

 

Fit with strategic framework

 

Contributes

Detracts

Not applicable

Social Wellbeing Strategy

Economic Development Strategy

Environment Strategy

Arts and Culture Strategy

3 Waters Strategy

Spatial Plan

Integrated Transport Strategy

Parks and Recreation Strategy

Other strategic projects/policies/plans

 

The Waste Minimisation Fund directly supports the objectives and outcomes of Te Au Tūroa – Dunedin Environment Strategy and the Spatial Plan.  It also contributes to the Waste Management and Minimisation Plan 2013.

Māori Impact Statement

No known implications for tangata whenua.

Sustainability

Waste Minimisation Grants provide both community organisations and commercial businesses with a funding opportunity for new waste minimisation projects and initiatives.

LTP/Annual Plan / Financial Strategy /Infrastructure Strategy

Budget is set aside from the waste levy for waste minimisation grants. This money has been approved to use for grants funding.

Financial considerations

A total of $55,000 has been requested for the Waste Minimisation Innovation and Development (Commercial) Grants, a total of $32,991 has been requested for Community Waste Minimisation Project/Initiatives Grants and a total of $3,258 has been requested for the Small Grants up to $500 each.

Significance

This decision is considered to be of low significance in terms of the Council’s Significance and Engagement Policy.

Engagement – external

There has been no external engagement on the project applications.

Engagement - internal

There has been no internal engagement on the project appliations.

Risks: Legal / Health and Safety etc.

There are no known risks.

Conflict of Interest

There are no known conflicts of interest.

Community Boards

Funded Waste Minimisation projects may develop in community board areas.

 

 


Grants Subcommittee

15 May 2019

 

 

PDF Creator


Grants Subcommittee

15 May 2019

 

 

PDF Creator



Grants Subcommittee

15 May 2019

 

 

PDF Creator


Grants Subcommittee

15 May 2019

 

 

 

Dunedin Biodiversity Fund - Final reports on completed projects

Department: City Development

 

 

 

 

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1      This report provides a summary of the grants claimed for projects that have been completed since the September 2018 funding round.

2      Six project reports have been received from recipients of the previous funding rounds of the Dunedin Biodiversity Fund. The final reports were presented to satisfy the grant conditions and outline how the projects were completed. There is $2,692.50 of unclaimed funding from the six projects completed, and one has been project discontinued, since the September 2018 subcommittee meeting.

RECOMMENDATIONS

That the Subcommittee:

a)     Notes the Dunedin Biodiversity Fund – final reports on completed projects.

 

 

BACKGROUND

3      The Dunedin Biodiversity Fund was established in August 2007 with the following purpose: “To maintain a network of viable habitats and ecosystems in Dunedin by encouraging and supporting those landowners who are committed to protecting, enhancing and managing indigenous biodiversity.” 

4      Between the September 2018 and April 2019 funding rounds the Dunedin Biodiversity Fund was reviewed. Minor changes to the eligibility and prioritisation criteria, and terms and conditions were approved by the Planning and Environment Committee at the meeting of 12 February 2019. However, all projects in this report were undertaken under the previous criteria and terms.

5      All successful applicants to the Dunedin Biodiversity Fund are required to enter into a formal agreement with the Dunedin City Council on receipt of the grant which specifies conditions that must be met in accepting the grant. The conditions require applicants to provide a final report on completion of the project to satisfy release of grant monies.

6      Six project completion reports, and one notice of a project to be discontinued, have been received since September 2018. 

DISCUSSION

7      The September 2014, September 2016, September 2017, April 2018 and September 2018 funding rounds approved grants for the following projects that have now been fully completed, partly completed or discontinued:

a)     Proprietors of the Purakaunui Block (c/o Nicola Taylor) BIO-2018-2 received $1,582.50 towards the restoration of a saltmarsh at Purakaunui.

b)     Initial Volco Trust BIO-2018-1 received $3,600 towards native forest revegetation.

c)     Orokonui Ecosanctuary BIO-2018-9 received $5,000 towards the costs of installing new volunteer quarters.

d)     The Dunedin Environment Centre BIO-2016-19 received $3,900 towards the ecological restoration (revegetation of native plants) of upper Kaikorai Estuary.

e)     Alister Young BIO-2016-20 received $1,845.11 towards native forest revegetation and undertook to claim the remaining available project grant monies ($1,154.89) by the end of 2019.

f)     Rhys Millar BIO-2017-16 received $5,000 for revegetation of gullies linking areas of native bush.

g)     Otago Peninsula Trust (c/o Glenfalloch Gardens) BIO-2014-23 relinquished a grant of $2,500.

8      The documents received indicate that all the completed projects above have been successfully completed and are consistent with their applications. Invoices presented for the projects are within the funding amounts requested and granted, with some less than the grant amount. Full copies of the grant release reports are included in Attachment A.

Unclaimed Monies

9      Following the release of grant money for the above projects there is $2,692.50 in unclaimed monies available for re-allocation to the September 2019 funding round ($192.50 unclaimed from BIO-2018-2 and $2,500 unclaimed from BIO-2014-23).

Conclusions

10    All projects undertaken have been consistent with the approved applications and have been completed successfully, contributing to the purpose of the Dunedin Biodiversity Fund and the protection, enhancement and management of biodiversity in Dunedin. 

OPTIONS

11    No options are presented as this report is for noting.


 

NEXT STEPS

12    Staff will continue to administer the Biodiversity Fund and provide oversight of projects.

 

Signatories

Author:

Richard Ewans - Biodiversity Advisor

Authoriser:

Anna Johnson - City Development Manager

Nicola Pinfold - Group Manager Community and Planning

Sandy Graham - General Manager City Services

Attachments

 

Title

Page

a

Project Completion Reports September 2018 to April 2019

40

 

SUMMARY OF CONSIDERATIONS

 

Fit with purpose of Local Government

This report relates to providing a public service and it is considered good-quality and cost-effective.

Fit with strategic framework

 

Contributes

Detracts

Not applicable

Social Wellbeing Strategy

Economic Development Strategy

Environment Strategy

Arts and Culture Strategy

3 Waters Strategy

Spatial Plan

Integrated Transport Strategy

Parks and Recreation Strategy

Other strategic projects/policies/plans

 

The Biodiversity Fund directly supports the objectives and outcomes of Te Ao Tūroa – Dunedin’s Environment Strategy and the Spatial Plan. It also contributes to the Parks and Recreation Strategy.

Māori Impact Statement

There are no known implications for tangata whenua.

Sustainability

The projects considered in this report will contribute positively to the long-term sustainability of the natural environment of Dunedin.

LTP/Annual Plan / Financial Strategy /Infrastructure Strategy

There are no implications.

Financial considerations

There are no financial considerations.

Significance

This decision is considered to be of low significance in terms of the Council’s Significance and Engagement Policy.

Engagement – external

There has been no external engagement on these project reports.

Engagement - internal

There has been no internal engagement on these project reports.

Risks: Legal / Health and Safety etc.

There are no known risks.

Conflict of Interest

There are no conflicts of interest.

Community Boards

A number of the projects were carried out in Community Board areas – i.e. West Harbour and Waikouaiti Coast.

 

 


Grants Subcommittee

15 May 2019

 

 

PDF Creator


 

PDF Creator


 

PDF Creator


 

PDF Creator


 

PDF Creator


 

PDF Creator


 

PDF Creator


 

PDF Creator


 

PDF Creator


 

PDF Creator


 

PDF Creator


 

PDF Creator


 

PDF Creator


 

PDF Creator


 

PDF Creator


 

PDF Creator


 

PDF Creator


 

PDF Creator


 

PDF Creator


 

PDF Creator


 

PDF Creator


 

PDF Creator


 

PDF Creator


 

PDF Creator


 

PDF Creator


 

PDF Creator


 

PDF Creator


 

PDF Creator


 

PDF Creator


 

PDF Creator


 

PDF Creator


 

PDF Creator


 

PDF Creator


 

PDF Creator


 

PDF Creator


 

PDF Creator


 

PDF Creator


 

PDF Creator


 

PDF Creator


PDF Creator


 

PDF Creator


PDF Creator


 

PDF Creator


 

PDF Creator


 

PDF Creator


 

PDF Creator


 

PDF Creator


 

PDF Creator


 

PDF Creator


 

PDF Creator


 

PDF Creator


 

PDF Creator


 

PDF Creator


 

PDF Creator


 

PDF Creator


 

PDF Creator


Grants Subcommittee

15 May 2019

 

 

 

Dunedin Biodiversity Fund - Applications to the April 2019 funding round

Department: City Development

 

 

 

 

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1      The April 2019 round of the Dunedin Biodiversity Fund opened on 1 April 2019 with applications closing on 30 April 2019. 

2      The purpose of this report is to assist the Committee in considering the applications and allocation of funding by providing an assessment of the applications against the fund criteria and prioritisation criteria.

3      Fifteen applications were received. The total funding amount that has been requested by the applicants ($52,576) is more than the funding available for the funding round ($40,000), however the September 2018 funding round was under-allocated by $18,263, leaving sufficient funds of $58,263 available to cover the applications received.

4      The total recommended allocation is $52,010.45. All but two of the applications were from first-time applicants.

5      The April 2019 funding round is the first to be undertaken since the fund was reviewed and had changes approved by the Planning and Environment Committee at the meeting of 12 February 2019.

RECOMMENDATIONS

That the Subcommittee:

a)     Considers the recommendations for the allocation of the grants; and

b)     Decides on the allocation of the grants across the applications received to the April 2019 round of the Biodiversity Fund.

 

BACKGROUND

6      The Dunedin Biodiversity Fund was established in August 2007. Between the September 2018 and April 2019 funding rounds the Dunedin Biodiversity Fund was reviewed and minor changes to the eligibility and prioritisation criteria, and terms and conditions were approved by the Planning and Environment Committee at the meeting of 12 February 2019.

7      The purpose of the Dunedin Biodiversity Fund is To enhance the condition and extent of indigenous biodiversity across Dunedin City by encouraging and supporting landowners and communities who are committed to protecting, enhancing and managing indigenous biodiversity.

8      The April 2019 round of the Dunedin Biodiversity Fund opened on 1 April 2019 with applications closing on 30 April 2019. For this round of funding, $40,000 is available for allocation plus any savings from the previous funding round. Fifteen applications were received, with 13 from first-time applicants. Summary assessments for each application are provided in Attachment C.

Funding Guidance

9      Funding is to be allocated on a cost sharing arrangement of 50:50, with the Council funding up to half of the project cost and the applicant making a contribution to the costs. The maximum total grant that can be allocated under the fund is $5,000, and the minimum grant is $500. Projects must be aimed at: 

a)     Maintaining or improving the state of indigenous biodiversity e.g. fencing, plant and animal pest control projects, and/or

b)     Increasing the extent of indigenous biodiversity e.g. revegetation projects.

10    The objective of the Biodiversity Fund is to support ‘on the ground’ activities directly benefitting indigenous biodiversity. The DCC contributions are for funding tangible goods e.g. plants, traps, herbicide etc. The applicant’s contribution can include labour and vehicle expenses. Further guidance on eligible grant costs and other fund rules are provided in Attachment B.

Eligibility Criteria

11    Eligibility criteria are defined as the minimum requirements a project application must meet to be funded. Eligibility criteria settings are placed so that if the Fund is undersubscribed, all eligible applications can be approved. Projects that are not eligible, or cannot be made eligible through grant conditions, should not be funded. Eligibility criteria are listed in Attachment A.

Prioritisation Criteria

12    Prioritisation criteria are defined as the criteria by which projects are ranked for funding. Prioritisation criteria are only necessary if the Fund is oversubscribed and the settings are placed so that the projects that contribute the most to biodiversity outcomes consistently rank the highest. Prioritisation criteria are listed in Attachment A and a list of the criteria met by each application is provided in the summary assessments in Attachment C.

Conditions of Grants

13    All successful applications will be subject to standard terms and conditions, which will form part of an agreement between the landowner and the Council. It is noted that the Committee may impose additional conditions, where considered appropriate. The recently revised terms and conditions are listed in Attachment B.

DISCUSSION

14    Table 1 below provides a brief summary of each of the applications including recommendations on funding allocation. No ranking of applications is required as the total amount requested can be met by the 2018/19 budget and all applications are eligible for funding (or can be with conditions attached to the grant). Therefore, the Committee can approve all applications without discussion of their relative merits should it wish to. Summary assessments for each application are provided in Attachment C. Full copies of the applications (including the summary assessments) are available via the DCC’s Fund Consult software.

15    One of the applications (BIO-2019-6) requested funding below the minimum grant limit of $500. The April 2019 funding round is the first to apply a minimum grant rule and it is recommended that Committee be lenient in this case.

16    One of the applications (BIO-2019-13) is currently ineligible as permission from the landowner (DCC, 3-Waters) has not been obtained to carry out weed control and replanting. It is recommended that funding is granted with an additional condition requiring DCC permission in this case.

17    It is noted that six of the applications were arranged by the Project Halo (Landscape Connections Trust) group on behalf of landowners (BIO-2019-8, BIO-2019-9, BIO-2019-10, BIO-2019-11, BIO-2019-12 and BIO-2019-14).

18    The recommended allocation is to grant the full amount requested to 12 of the applications. Small adjustments are recommended for the allocation to three of the applications. The total recommended allocation is $52,010.45.

 

Table 1. Summary of applications to the Dunedin Biodiversity Fund April 2019 funding round.

Application ID

Applicant

Project type

Amount requested

Recommended grant

BIO-2019-1

Parker, D

Weed control in native coastal forest

 $810.00

 $810.00

BIO-2019-2

Baillie, P

Native forest revegetation planting

 $3,564.75

 $3,564.75

BIO-2019-3

Williamson, M

Native forest revegetation planting

 $5,000.00

 $5,000.00

BIO-2019-4

Guest, R

Animal pest control in native forest

 $2,904.05

 $2,904.05

BIO-2019-5

Tweedie, J

Wetland restoration

 $2,344.20

 $2,344.20

BIO-2019-6

Cooke, P

Animal pest control in native forest

 $345.00

 $308.45

BIO-2019-7

Glenfalloch Gardens

Weed control in native coastal forest

 $1,843.00

 $1,843.00

BIO-2019-8

Everett, P

Native forest revegetation planting

 $5,000.00

 $5,000.00

BIO-2019-9

Cox, C

Native forest revegetation planting

 $5,000.00

 $5,000.00

BIO-2019-10

Fergus, J

Native forest revegetation planting

 $5,000.00

 $5,000.00

BIO-2019-11

Harding, H

Native forest revegetation planting

 $5,000.00

 $5,000.00

BIO-2019-12

Rust, R

Native forest revegetation planting

 $5,000.00

 $5,000.00

BIO-2019-13

Zainey, A

Weed control and riparian planting

 $1,151.00

 $942.00

BIO-2019-14

Penno, R

Native forest revegetation planting

 $5,000.00

 $5,000.00

BIO-2019-15

Gunther, S

Native forest revegetation planting

 $4,614.00

 $4,294.00

TOTAL

$52,576.00

 $52,010.45

 

OPTIONS

19    The Committee could choose to fund the above projects up to the full amount requested, the recommended allocation, or choose not to fund them, as it sees fit.

NEXT STEPS

20    Following the Committee’s decision related to the above projects the applicants will be notified of the outcomes.

21    The next funding round will be advertised in September 2019.

 

Signatories

Author:

Richard Ewans - Biodiversity Advisor

Authoriser:

Anna Johnson - City Development Manager

Nicola Pinfold - Group Manager Community and Planning

Attachments

 

Title

Page

a

Dunedin Biodiversity Fund eligibility and prioritisation criteria

101

b

Dunedin Biodiversity Fund terms and conditions

103

c

Dunedin Biodiversity Fund - Application summary assessments April 2019 round

107

 

SUMMARY OF CONSIDERATIONS

 

Fit with purpose of Local Government

This report relates to providing a public service and it is considered good-quality and cost-effective.

Fit with strategic framework

 

Contributes

Detracts

Not applicable

Social Wellbeing Strategy

Economic Development Strategy

Environment Strategy

Arts and Culture Strategy

3 Waters Strategy

Spatial Plan

Integrated Transport Strategy

Parks and Recreation Strategy

Other strategic projects/policies/plans

 

The Biodiversity Fund directly supports the objectives and outcomes of Te Ao Tūroa – Dunedin’s Environment Strategy and the Spatial Plan. It also contributes to the Parks and Recreation Strategy.

Māori Impact Statement

There are no known implications for tangata whenua.

Sustainability

The projects considered in this report will contribute positively to the long-term sustainability of the natural environment of Dunedin.

LTP/Annual Plan / Financial Strategy /Infrastructure Strategy

There are no implications.

Financial considerations

A total of $52,576 has been requested by the applicants.

Significance

This decision is considered to be of low significance in terms of the Council’s Significance and Engagement Policy.

Engagement – external

There has been no external engagement on the project applications.

Engagement - internal

There has been no internal engagement on the project applications.

Risks: Legal / Health and Safety etc.

There are no known risks.

Conflict of Interest

There are no identified conflicts of interest.

Community Boards

A number of the grants relate to Community Board areas – i.e. Otago Peninsula, Mosgiel-Taieri, West Harbour and Waikouaiti Coast.

 


Grants Subcommittee

15 May 2019

 

 

PDF Creator


 

PDF Creator


Grants Subcommittee

15 May 2019

 

 

PDF Creator


 

PDF Creator


 

PDF Creator


 

PDF Creator


Grants Subcommittee

15 May 2019

 

 

PDF Creator


 

PDF Creator


 

PDF Creator


 

PDF Creator


 

PDF Creator


 

PDF Creator


 

PDF Creator


 

PDF Creator


 

PDF Creator


 

PDF Creator


 

PDF Creator


 

PDF Creator


 

PDF Creator


 

PDF Creator


 

PDF Creator


 

PDF Creator


 

PDF Creator


 

PDF Creator


 

PDF Creator


 

PDF Creator