The HazWaste Fund is designed to reduce the disposal of hazardous waste from manufacturing sources to about 60,000 tonnes in 2007—08 and to about 40,000 tonnes in 2008—09. Further reductions in the disposal of Category B waste of 5,000—6,000 tonnes per annum are targeted from 2009—10 onwards.
The HazWaste Fund was established to achieve these targets by supporting organisations to accelerate reductions in the volume and hazard of hazardous waste generated in Victoria. Revenue from the additional levies effective 1 July 2008 for Category B contaminated soil and Category B and C hazardous waste from manufacturing sources contribute towards the Fund.
The objectives of the government grant are to:
- reduce hazardous waste to landfill,
- reduce the hazard category of hazardous waste disposed to landfill, and
- increase remediation of contaminated soil.
In achieving its objectives, the HazWaste Fund aims to:
- ensure simple, effective, transparent and value-for-money reinvestment of hazardous waste landfill levy revenue,
- deliver reinvestment and beneficial distribution of funds, with consideration given to the contributing source sectors,
- deliver effectively and achieve the desired waste reductions of the strategy, and
- ensure sound marketplace communication of the opportunities for accessing the HazWaste Fund.
There is no predetermined limit to the amount of financial support available from the government grant for individual projects. However, the level of funding sought should reflect the extent to which the proposal meets the objectives of the Fund.
Government grant assessments are based on the financial needs of the project in light of the environmental benefits that will be achieved, and the level of support available from other funding sources. HazWaste Fund projects that have part funding from the applicant and/or partners will be viewed favourably.
Who is eligible?
HazWaste Fund support is available for projects targeted at reducing the volume or hazard category of hazardous waste disposed to landfill. Eligible wastes include hazardous wastes from manufacturing processes and contaminated soil.
The government grant is open to a wide range of incorporated, or otherwise legally constituted applicants. Primary targets for the Fund include:
- organisations that generate and dispose solid hazardous waste to landfill
- organisations that generate and dispose solid or liquid hazardous waste to treatment companies
- organisations that treat, recycle, remediate or reuse hazardous wastes
- organisations that own or develop land that is partially or fully contaminated, including infrastructure projects such as road and rail development.
What activities are eligible for funding?
Projects should be principally focused on value adding initiatives in the following areas of activity:
- infrastructure and implementation projects
- research and development (R&D), and demonstration projects
- knowledge and capacity-building projects.
Merit criteria
A HazWaste Fund Panel has been established to inform Fund decision-making and investment priorities. Its membership is comprised of a cross-section of industry and government experts. The Panel’s terms of reference outline their role as providing advice to the Chairman of EPA. Specifically the Panel’s role will be to review:
- the commercial, innovation and technical aspects of specific applications and make recommendations on funding of such applications or otherwise
- review how to maximise the value of the Fund in accordance with the objectives of the HazWaste Fund
- review current HazWaste Fundstrategy and provide recommendations for improvement
- performance of the HazWaste Fund
- Factors that indicate a sound potential project may include:
- the project clearly meets the objectives of the HazWaste Fund in a timely manner
- the project has committed partners
- the project has in-kind or monetary funding support from the applicant or partner/s
- the project has a realistic and clear budget
- the project has good supporting data, senior Executive support, supporting evidence, planning and an evaluation strategy
- the applicants have a good knowledge of the subject area
- the project is innovative
- the project has the potential to provide broad benefit to a range of stakeholders
Achieving a balance between large-scale organisations and small to medium organisations will be recognised in the assessment process. It is recognised that applications from small to medium organisations may not contain the same level of detail of those from larger organisations but they remain worthwhile projects that can support achievement of the HazWaste Fund objectives.
Application Process
The government grant features a two-part application process.
Stage 1 of the application process involves completing a brief application form outlining the key details of the project. If the application is recommended to be explored in further detail, organisations will be requested to complete and submit a stage 2 application.
Stage 2 of the application process involves preparing a more detailed submission to the Fund. This may, depending on the type of application, require a detailed business case covering aspects such as:
- market research and analysis
- a marketing plan
- operational and financial plans
- an action plan with targets
- monitoring framework including KPIs.
Applications open on 17 May 10 and close 21 May 10
If you would like assistance with this government grant then please feel free to contact us.
