The National Solar Schools Program is helping Australian schools take practical action to tackle climate change by offering government grants of up to $50,000 for single campus schools and up to $100,000 for eligible multi-campus schools to install solar power systems, rainwater tanks and a range of renewable energy and energy efficiency measures. Schools are able to improve their energy and water efficiency as well as reduce their ongoing energy costs. In particular, for schools with a mains power supply, surplus electricity generated by solar power systems on weekends and during school holidays may be able to be sold back to the electricity grid for extra electricity and greenhouse savings.

Objectives

The objectives of the National Solar Schools Program are to:

• allow schools to:
  • generate their own electricity from renewable sources
  • improve their energy efficiency and reduce their energy consumption
  • adapt to climate change by making use of rainwater collected from school roofs
  • provide educational benefits for school students and their communities
• support the growth of the renewable energy industry.

Funding available

Schools installing a minimum 2 kilowatt (kW) solar power system are eligible for a government grant of up to $50,000 (GST exclusive) for the installation of eligible items.

If no solar power system, or a system of less than 2kW, is installed a government grant of up to $30,000 (GST exclusive) is available to be spent on eligible items.

Schools applying for funding from 1 July 2010 that have been approved to receive funding for solar power systems under any other Australian Government program since the National Solar Schools Program commenced on 1 July 2008 and that cannot provide evidence that they have re-scoped their project to remove the installation of solar power systems prior to 15 July (date of announcement of the new arrangements for the NSSP) are eligible for a government grant of up to $15,000 for the installation of eligible items.

If, during the period 1 July 2008 to 30 June 2010, a school that had been approved for funding for a solar power system under any other Australian Government program since 1 July 2008 had re-scoped their project to no longer include a solar power system and can provide evidence of this, that school will remain eligible to apply for a government grant of up to $50,000.

A multi-campus school that has a combined campus population of 1,000 or more full time enrolled students may be eligible for an additional National Solar Schools Program grant (see Part 3 ‘How we determine your funding’).

The total grant funding available to a multi-campus school may be up to either $100,000 or $15,000 depending on whether it has been approved to receive funding for solar power systems under any other Australian Government program since the National Solar Schools Program commenced on 1 July 2008.

Schools that have received Green Vouchers for Schools funding will have this amount deducted from their National Solar Schools Program grant.

The applicant

Non-government schools are eligible for a government grant under the National Solar Schools Program if they are in receipt of Australian Government Grants for Recurrent Expenditure under the Schools Assistance Act 2008.

Government schools are eligible for a government grant under the National Solar Schools Program if they are officially recognised by their state or territory government education agency as a school providing primary and/or secondary education.

Educational institutions that are not eligible for a government grant include kindergartens, early childhood centres, preschools, TAFE colleges and universities.

The project

National Solar Schools Program government grants are available for the installation of a range of renewable energy generation, water and energy efficiency measures, including:

• solar power systems
• rainwater tanks
• small wind turbines
• small hydro power generators
• solar hot water systems
• energy efficient lighting
• ceiling fans
• door and window draught seals
• sensors, timers and thermostats
• automatic door closers and automatic sliding doors
• external window fittings
• skylights
• shade awnings

More information:

• National Solar Schools Program Guidelines
• National Solar Schools Program Administrative Arrangements

Applications close 20 August 2010.

A third round of the South Australian Innovation & Investment Fund (SAIIF) is currently open . The purpose of the SAIIF Industry Development Program is to support investment aimed at creating sustainable new jobs in South Australia, with a focus on the southern suburbs of Adelaide. Eligible investment will create new or additional business capacity designed to enhance sustainable employment, business and economic opportunities with a focus on innovative manufacturing and/or technology projects.

The SAIIF Industry Development Program is a $30 million government grant program for innovative job creation projects to strengthen South Australia’s manufacturing and technology base, with a focus on the southern suburbs of Adelaide. It will be jointly administered by the Australian and South Australian governments.

What projects are eligible?

The following conditions apply to project eligibility:

• projects must have at least $500,000 in eligible capital costs (primarily being for plant and equipment directly applied to the production of the outputs of the investment proposal, and excluding land,
• buildings, construction and infrastructure);
• projects which involve MMAL will not receive a government grant;
• government grants will be directed at sustainable job creation in South Australia, rather than community-based projects;
• projects which involve no sustained net increase in economic activity in Australia or involve a relocation of activity to South Australia from other states and territories will not be funded;
• projects that help to diversify the South Australian manufacturing and economic base will be favoured;
• projects which demonstrate the introduction of new innovations or technology (rather than research and scoping studies) will be favoured;
• infrastructure projects will not be considered; and
• government grants will not be provided for retrospective activities (i.e. project expenditure prior to the finalisation of the funding agreement will not be funded).

Who can apply?

Eligible applicants for the government grant are those firms/commercial enterprises:

1. which are legal entities, i.e. with whom the Australian government and the South Australian government can enter into legally binding funding agreements; and
2. which can demonstrate the commitment of funding, exclusive of in-kind contributions, to the investment proposal which is free of other government grants and which at least matches the funding which is being sought from the program.

Applications closing on 10 September 2010

Previous Recipients

A list of previous government grant recipients is detailed below:

Round 2

Round 1

32 institutions share in over $66.7 million in government grants for 218 projects that will provide solutions for a wealth of Australian issues and offer new opportunities.

The Linkage Projects scheme enables Australian institutions to undertake innovative and cutting-edge research projects in collaboration with industry and other partners.

• The University of New South Wales will receive $270,000 in government grants over three years to examine rock bolt failure in underground coal mines, with results aimed at protecting our miners from injury and death.
• The Queensland University of Technology will receive $216,000 in government grants over three years to develop a new generation high crash energy absorbing barrier that aims to save lives by reducing the severity of accidents involving road barriers.
• Monash University will receive $280,000 in government grants to conduct research that will contribute to the well-being of our ageing population by ensuring their independence, and improving scope for social interaction.

The 218 projects have forged partnerships with 458 national and international government, private and non-profit organisations.

These partners are contributing a total of $128.2 million in cash and in-kind support, on top of the Australian Government’s $66.7 million in government grants.

The Linkage Projects scheme is part of the Australian Research Council’s National Government Grants Program, which nurtures the creative abilities and skills of Australia’s most promising researchers.

The successful Linkage Projects Round 2 proposals by State/Organisation for funding commencing in 2010 is detailed below.

Australian Capital Territory

The Australian National University – PDF Format (51kb) – RTF Format (41kb)
University of Canberra – PDF Format (42kb) – RTF Format (10kb)

New South Wales

Macquarie University – PDF Format (45kb) – RTF Format (11kb)
Southern Cross University – PDF Format (43kb) – RTF Format (10kb)
The University of New England – PDF Format (10kb) – RTF Format (185kb)
The University of New South Wales – PDF Format (78kb) – RTF Format (185kb)
The University of Newcastle – PDF Format (50kb) – RTF Format (36kb)
The University of Sydney – PDF Format (61kb) – RTF Format (90kb)
University of Technology, Sydney – PDF Format (51kb) – RTF Format (38kb)
University of Western Sydney – PDF Format (46kb) – RTF Format (16kb)
University of Wollongong – PDF Format (52kb) – RTF Format (38kb)

Northern Territory

Charles Darwin University – PDF Format (42kb) – RTF Format (10kb)

Queensland

Griffith University – PDF Format (54kb) – RTF Format (55kb)
James Cook University – PDF Format (46kb) – RTF Format (16kb)
Queensland University of Technology – PDF Format (59kb) – RTF Format (76kb)
The University of Queensland – PDF Format (69kb) – RTF Format (134kb)
University of Southern Queensland – PDF Format (42kb) – RTF Format (10kb)

South Australia

The Flinders University of South Australia – PDF Format (50kb) – RTF Format (30kb)
The University of Adelaide – PDF Format (56kb) – RTF Format (62kb)
University of South Australia – PDF Format (51kb) – RTF Format (36kb)

Tasmania

University of Tasmania – PDF Format (46kb) – RTF Format (18kb)

Western Australia

Curtin University of Technology – PDF Format (51kb) – RTF Format (37kb)
Edith Cowan University – PDF Format (42kb) – RTF Format (10kb)
Murdoch University – PDF Format (51kb) – RTF Format (36kb)
The University of Western Australia – PDF Format (63kb) – RTF Format (96kb)

Victoria

Deakin University – PDF Format (47kb) – RTF Format (22kb)
La Trobe University – PDF Format (52kb) – RTF Format (43kb)
Monash University – PDF Format (108kb) – RTF Format (64kb)
RMIT University – PDF Format (58kb) – RTF Format (69kb)
Swinburne University of Technology – PDF Format (47kb) – RTF Format (23kb)
The University of Melbourne – PDF Format (74kb) – RTF Format (165kb)
Victoria University – PDF Format (47kb) – RTF Format (17kb)

Australian companies will receive up to $13 million to research and develop technology for future defence application. Eight innovative proposals have been selected this year to be developed through Round 14 of the Capability and Technology Demonstrator Program.

The successful projects include: a fibre optic towed array to improve sonar data collection in the maritime environment (Thales Australia); lightweight fibre-reinforced ceramic inserts for body armour (CSIRO); an adaptive exhaust silencer for submarines (University of Adelaide); a system to help Navy measure the acoustic vulnerability of its submarines and surface ships (L3 Nautronix); a device that will enable classified material to be used on any computer system, regardless of its location (Secure Systems); an airborne radio transponder that will extend the range of UHF radios deployed with ground troops (RF Industries); an enhancement to imagery analysis on the basis of content (University of Adelaide); and a non-contact instrument to detect and classify explosives (CSIRO).

The Capability and Technology Demonstrator Program, managed by the Defence Science and Technology Organisation, supports Australian industry in demonstrating new technologies that have the potential to contribute to Defence capability. Since the program began in 1998, Defence has invested $224 million in 91 projects.

Project information

Fibre Optic Towed Array – Thales Australia

The aim of the Thales project is to demonstrate and anti-submarine warfare capability using a thin, lightweight fibre optic towed array system able to be fitted rapidly to all types of manned and unmanned surface vessels, including patrol boats and frigates.

Lightweight Fibre Reinforced Ceramic Inserts for Ballistic Armour – CSIRO Future Manufacturing Flagship

The aim of this CSIRO project is to demonstrate potential applications of advanced nano-ceramic particle reinforced fibrous matrix for improved body armour. Current body armour based on ceramic inserts, Kevlar and other materials is heavy and hinders soldiers’ mobility and performance during combat operations. Nano-ceramic materials reinforced with high performance fibres have the potential to reduce the mass of ceramic inserts by 50 per cent and more.

Adaptive Exhaust Silencer for Submarine Engines – University of Adelaide

The aim of the University of Adelaide project is to develop and adaptive quarter-wave tube exhaust silencer that will tune itself automatically to attenuate tonal noise in the exhaust of a diesel generator.

Acoustic Vulnerability Assessment Command Tool (AVCAT) – L3 Nautronix

The aim of the L3 Nautronix project is to provide a system that will utilise acoustic signature measurements made for Defence maritime platforms and process them in conjunction with platform state, geographic, environmental and threat data to provide an assessment of the acoustic vulnerability of submarines and surface ships. The system has the potential to enhance operational planning and tactical development.

Secure Portable Application Device to Support Network Centric Warfare – Secure Systems

The aim of the Secure Systems project is to demonstrate a security assurance system that could deliver a hardware-based security device to fixed secure and hastily formed locations. It could provide Defence personnel with the ability to work on any systems with any classification of information.

Airborne UHF Transponder for Radio relaY (AUTRY) – RF Industries

The aim of the RF Industries project is to develop an enhanced UHF repeater, based on the existing AUTRY repeater, to provide range extension for Australian ground forces. By providing a radio relay repeater at altitude, communications ranges can be extended significantly, no longer limited by terrain and other physical obstacles.

Content Based Image Search – Australian Centre for Visual Technologies

The aim of this University of Adelaide project is to demonstrate an application that recovers targets of similar appearance from a large imagery database once a target has been identified in an image. It could ensure that limited human image search resources are applied more effectively.

Opto-Electronic Explosive Detection Unit (Cybernose) – CSIRO Entomology

The aim of this CSIRO project is to demonstrate an instrument that could perform non-contact, sensitive chemical detection and classification of explosives using signature chemical vapours. Combined with existing engineering solutions, it could provide an effective standoff capability for Australian ground forces.

About the Capability and Technology Demonstrator Program

The CTD Program operates on an annual rounds basis.  Each financial year a new round of government grants is opened with a public call for project proposals.  Interested industry representatives may then submit an Initial Proposal prior to the advertised closing date.

The purpose of the Initial Proposal is to provide Defence with a basic understanding of the technology, so that Defence may decide if the proposal is suitable for inclusion in the Capability and Technology Demonstrator Program and relevant to a Defence capability requirement.  Initial proposals that are selected for further consideration will be assigned a Defence sponsor within Capability Development Group.  The Defence sponsor will the provide guidance to the proposer for the development of a Detailed Proposal. The Detailed Proposal will become the primary reference for the evaluation and ultimate selection of proposals.

See below for timeline.

Australian and French researchers will be working together to fight neurodegenerative diseases, like Parkinson’s disease, thanks to government grants through the 2010 French-Australian Science and Technology (FAST) Program.

In total, Australia and France will work together on 14 new cutting-edge projects ranging from screening tools for new generation antibiotics to new water treatment techniques.

“Thanks to this government grant, scientists from Australia and France will work together to examine brain changes in mice who exhibit signs of neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s,” said Innovation Minister, Senator Kim Carr.

“This project will improve our understanding of the mechanisms of brain cell death in Parkinson’s disease. The research may provide new avenues for the development of treatments to slow or stop the neurodegenerative process.

“This research could have huge benefits for those suffering from, or at risk of suffering from, Parkinson’s disease.”

The work will be undertaken by Neuroscience Research Australia, the French National Institute of Health and Medical Research (INSERM) and the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility.

Another project will examine the use of carbon nanotube membranes to purify water. Given Australia’s dry climate, this sort of research could have enormous benefits.

Senator Carr recently discussed the collaboration between Australia and France in a meeting with the French Minister for Higher Education and Research, Valérie Pécresse.

“When it comes to science, Australia prides itself on our cooperation and collaboration with our international partners,” Senator Carr said.

“This government grants brings together the best minds from our two research intensive communities and enables our countries to share best practice ideas.

“Since renewing the MOU with the French Government in 2008, our capacity for future joint breakthroughs is limitless. I look forward to seeing the results from these projects.”

The full list of recipients is detailed below:

Sixty-three small businesses will share $2.6 million in government grants announced under the Australian Government’s Textile, Clothing and Footwear (TCF) Small Business Program.

The government grants, ranging from $17,000 to $50,000, have been awarded to help these businesses become more innovative and strengthen the business culture of Australia’s TCF industries.

Innovation Minister, Senator Kim Carr, said the program was aimed at making TCF small businesses more competitive by developing new processes, especially at the niche, high-value end of the market.

“This round has again been extremely competitive, with over 250 businesses applying for grants,” Senator Carr said.

“The strong response shows that the TCF sector is keen to embrace a culture of innovation and enterprise, and power through the tough market conditions.

“Typical of the innovative approaches of government grant recipients are projects to improve production processes, explore export markets, and embrace the internet as part of their business strategy.

“These small businesses represent the next generation of TCF industries that employ 45,000 people, including many in regional Australia. A vibrant TCF sector will lead to more high-value, high-skill jobs.”

The TCF Small Business Program is providing $25 million in grants over 10 years to Australia’s small designers and manufacturers.

Successful round five projects include:

• Jongs Tailor and Dress House, in the Northern Territory – a grant of $32,165 directed at improving the business’s design and manufacturing capability with strategic business mentoring and the implementation of CAD software and equipment.  [Contact: Mrs Fifi Tse (08) 8947 0654]
• J’Aton Couture, in Victoria – a grant of $43,600 to develop and implement a business strategy for the high-end fashion label, with supporting administrative and business processes. It includes research to identify alternative export and domestic markets. [Contact: Mr Jacob Luppino (03) 9533 8666]
• Besmitten in Tasmania – a grant of $45,920, to mentor the principals and build the capability of the business as producers of superfine merino clothing (Smitten Merino), by implementing communications and marketing plans.  [Contact: Mr Carl Mason 0408 094 594]

The full list of recipients is detailed below:

The Primary Care Infrastructure Grants initiative is being implemented under the GP Super Clinics Program and comprises $64.5 million in 2010-11 and $52.5 million in 2011-12. Details of the three government grant streams available in 2010-11 are contained within the application package.

The Department invites government grant applications for Primary Care Infrastructure Grant funding from individuals and organisations to enable existing facilities to expand or to upgrade space for GPs¸ nurses and/or allied health professionals¸ strengthen team-based care services¸ establish or extend clinical training facilities¸ and provide GP Super Clinic-style services.

How will this initiative work?

Around 23 new GP Super Clinics will be provided, comprising:

• approximately 9 new large GP Super Clinics. In addition to doctors, nurses and allied health professionals, these clinics are expected to include more specialised services such as renal dialysis, minor surgical procedures, rehabilitation services, radiology and state funded services. They will have significant capacity for inter-professional clinical training and education.
• approximately 14 new medium GP Super Clinics will also provide access to a wide range of health professionals and services, scaled to suit a smaller population than the large clinics.

Three streams of government grants will be provided to build the capacity of about 425 existing general practices, primary care and community health services, and Aboriginal Medical
Services to deliver GP Super Clinic style services:

• Government grants of up to $150,000 will be available to existing general practices, primary care and community health services, and Aboriginal Medical Services to expand or upgrade, for example, allied health services or provide accommodation for an additional GP or practice nurse.
• Government grants of up to $300,000 will be available to existing facilities that, for example, expand or upgrade accommodation for additional doctors, allied health professionals or practice nurses, strengthen team based care services and offer extended hours.
• Government grants of up to $500,000 will be available for existing facilities that, in addition to the previously identified elements, also establish teaching facilities and transition to a GP Super Clinic style facility.

Direct and competitive government grants will commence in 2010-11 to establish medium and large GP Super Clinics. Competitive grants will also be available to upgrade and extend existing primary care services.

The Program Objectives

The Primary Care Infrastructure Grant initiative has five Objectives across the three grant streams. These Objectives are to:

1. Upgrade or extend existing facilities to provide space for additional general practitioners, nurses and allied health professionals and/or students on clinical placements;
2. Provide access to new services that meet local community health needs with a focus on preventative activities and better chronic disease management;
3. Strengthen team-based approaches to the delivery of care by providing, for example, additional space for case conferencing and/or group activities such as lifestyle modification clinics and/or shared service delivery by more than one health professional;
4. Provide extended hours of service where these do not exist, for example additional services in the early morning, later in the evening or on weekends; and
5. Develop new, or enhance existing, clinical training facilities.

Selection Criteria

The selection criteria for the Primary Care Infrastructure Grants are as follows:

1. The potential for the proposal to achieve the Objectives as specified for each grant stream
2. The efficient and effective use of the funds. Applicants should note that, in considering the extent to which the application meets selection criterion 2, the Application Assessment Panel will have regard to the following:

• The relative merit of each application;
• The geographic location of the applicant’s existing facility and the existence of similar organisations in the area capable of achieving the same outcomes;
• The existence or otherwise of other funding sources available to the applicant for a capital works project;
• Whether the facility is accredited against relevant industry and/or training standards or is progressing towards this; and
• Contributions by other funding sources to the project which either increase the overall value of the project without increasing the value of the funds provided by the Commonwealth under this Program;
• or reduce the Commonwealth’s financial contribution but still achieve the same objectives.

What can the funding be used for?

Primary Care Infrastructure Grant funding can be used for:

• Professional fees for the design of the capital works project;
• Professional fees for legal and accountancy advice relating directly to the capital works project;
• Application fees for Development Approval, Building Permits and the like;
• Direct construction, including fit-out, costs for labour and materials for builders, plumbers, electricians etc;
• Supply and installation of information and communication technology equipment including both hardware and software; or
• Supply and installation (as appropriate) of essential medical equipment.

Government grants cannot be applied towards the cost of:

• Ongoing operating (recurrent) costs (e.g. rent, utilities, salaries, maintenance);
• Professional health service delivery;
• The purchase of consumables (other than a consumables pack that may be supplied with equipment on delivery);
• The purchase of existing facilities, businesses or land;
• Travel and accommodation; or
• Student or staff overnight/residential accommodation.

Who can apply?

Applications for government grants are open to organisations or individuals operating existing facilities which are providing general practice (GP) services e.g. general practices, primary care and community health services and Aboriginal Medical Services.

Sample Application Form

Closing Date is 20 August 2010

Don’t miss out on this government grant, contact us for professional advice with the government grant application.

1. Overview

The Australian Government is committed to ensuring Australia meets its responsibilities in facing the global challenge of climate change.

Climate change has significant implications for Australia’s forests and forest industries. The Australian Government, as part of its 2007 election commitments, has provided $8 million in government grants over three financial years from 2008–09 to 2010–11 to address major knowledge gaps about the impacts of climate change on forestry and forest industries. The forest industries ministerial advisory committee, the Forest and Wood Products Council, has assisted in identifying priorities for investment.

As part of this commitment, the Australian Government will provide $5 million in government grants through the Forest Industries Climate Change Research Fund, which will commence in 2009-10 and cease on 30 June 2011.

These guidelines provide details on the Forest Industries Climate Change Research Fund program, which is to be administered by the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (the department).

2. Purpose and aim of the program

The Forest Industries Climate Change Research Fund will provide $5 million in government grants in one round of funding to address major knowledge gaps about the impact of climate change on forestry and forest industries in Australia.

Through research, this government grant program will assist the industry to better understand the implications of climate change and build industry capacity to adapt to predicted scenarios and capitalise on emerging mitigation opportunities.

Addressing knowledge gaps will assist commercial forest planners and managers to better manage their forest assets in a changing environment. Generating information and developing tools and expertise will assist sustainability benefits to flow through the value chain and contribute to growth and development in forestry dependent communities.

Projects funded through this program aim to achieve the following outcomes:

• Forest industry stakeholders are better able to adapt to changed climatic conditions through the availability of new technologies and techniques which encourage different practices
• Forest industry stakeholders are better equipped with the knowledge, tools and strategies to manage their emissions, including a greater ability to participate in the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme
• Forest industry stakeholders and forestry dependant communities better understand the range of climate change impacts and the future implications for their enterprise and region.

Collaborative research projects involving industry, scientific and government organisations are supported. This will ensure that relevant expertise and experience is brought together so that commercial realities are taken into account in achieving outcomes and improve the transition from applied research to demonstration and implementation of commercial applications.

3. Delivery of the program

This program is a competitive government grants program. Expressions of Interest (EOIs) from research providers will be assessed on a competitive basis by an independent assessment panel including relevant experts from the industry, scientific and government sectors.

In assessing EOIs, the panel will draw upon work completed to date to ensure that projects sufficiently advance the forest industries’ understanding of the implications of climate change, the ability to adapt to predicted climate scenarios, to manage emissions, and capitalise on emerging mitigation opportunities.

Based on the assessment by the independent panel, proponents of highly ranked EOIs will be invited to prepare full project proposals. The department will negotiate these project proposals with the proponents. Finalised research project proposals will also be sent to the Rural Research and Development Council for consideration. The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry will be responsible for the final approval of projects under this program.

Larger scale collaborative projects with cross sectoral applications, and which combine the efforts of a number of eligible parties in consortia, are strongly encouraged.

Government grants from this program will generally be up to $500,000. Higher grants may be considered in special circumstances where collaborative and integrated projects seek outcomes that will apply across the whole industry. Some very specific projects in priority areas will not require the full available allocation. The funding will be provided on the basis of cash and in-kind co-contributions by proponents. Funding from other Australian or state/territory government sources, research institutions and industry partners will be accepted as an applicant’s contribution to a project.

Government grants under this program will complement not duplicate, other research initiatives.

Government grants will be paid when an applicant completes each milestone specified in a negotiated Funding Deed. The program will end on 30 June 2011. Approved projects must be delivered by 30 May 2011, in order to ensure final funding is paid before 30 June 2011.

4. Who is eligible?

To be eligible to apply for government grant funding, you must satisfy the following criteria:

1. Your organisation must be able to provide, upon request, professionally prepared financial statements demonstrating your ability to fund your share of project costs

2. The proposed project must primarily involve new work

3. The proposed work must be completed and reported by 30 May 2011

4. Your EOI must address the assessment criteria

5. The proposed work must not duplicate other research activity

6. EOI proponents must be an Australian registered company or research agency, for example:

• Peak national or state forestry organisations
• Australian, state or territory government agency
• Australian tertiary education institution
• Australian Cooperative Research Centre
• Australian registered business or registered industry group
• Australian public sector research agency
• Australian private, not for profit, research organisation.

5. What activities are eligible for funding?

Project proposals need to address major knowledge gaps about the impact of climate change on forestry, forest industries and forestry dependent communities in Australia, while providing skills, knowledge or strategies to help industry address these issues and respond to the challenges and opportunities arising from climate change.

Priority areas for addressing knowledge gaps for the industry include, but are not limited to:

Adaptation

Further research, which will allow all commercial forest sectors, forest planners and managers, and forestry dependent communities, to better adapt to climate change is a priority. The fund will support research in the following area:

• Development of diagnostic tools and techniques to determine when (and what) specific management intervention is required to respond to the threats and opportunities of climate change. This will include but will not be limited to determining interactions between; increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations, changed rainfall regimes, water availability, fire risk, incidence and severity of pests and disease outbreaks; and forest enterprises, to inform the development of management systems and intervention options
• Develop methods to identify critical infrastructure necessary for the industry where viability is at risk from climate change
• Develop, provide and facilitate farm forestry and other regional-scale tree planting and sustainable forest management options, which can be used in the business models of forestry, agricultural and other land use sectors as a means of adaptation.

Mitigation

As a sequesterer of carbon, the forestry sector has opportunities to make contributions to the national climate change mitigation effort. Projects on mitigation techniques and technologies which attempt to integrate economic and social analysis are strongly encouraged as it would assist in informing the development of commercial applications.

Mitigation priorities include:

• Expanding and strengthening the dataset underpinning the fate of carbon in harvested wood products during use and after disposal; and demonstrating how net emissions from harvested wood products could be recognised within international carbon trading protocols
• Research and demonstration projects that identify and investigate opportunities to reduce emissions and improve carbon sequestration potential in the industry, and determining the social and economic implications of these opportunities
• Develop measures to identify and address critical bottlenecks to greater use of recycled wood and paper products

Bioenergy

Bioenergy currently contributes just 0.5% to Australia’s total electricity supply, with energy generation from wood related waste and residues occurring on a very small scale. The Australian biofuels industry is also small, supplying less than 0.5% of Australia’s transport fuel. Research projects may be considered that promote the development and deployment of sustainable bioenergy generation based on forest industries resources on a commercial scale. Projects that identify required resources to realise the opportunities presented by bioenergy may also be considered.

Inventory and data

A basic level of information about the forestry and forest products industry is required urgently to establish a benchmark against which the results of strategies addressing the challenges and opportunities faced by the industry from climate change may be assessed in the future. A stocktake of existing relevant data sets and a gaps analysis of existing baseline data have been undertaken. The Data Gaps Overview is available from the Secretariat by request. A priority is to fill the data gaps so that quantitative analyses on climate change responses can be undertaken in the future.

Projects demonstrating the results and integration of applied research will be considered. The assessment panel will seek to balance the level of investment across priority areas.

6. What activities are not eligible for funding?

Government grant funding will not be provided for:

• Projects that look at non production forests
• Capital expenditure for the purchase of assets such as office furniture and equipment, motor vehicles, computers, printers, photocopiers, construction, renovations and utilities
• Any cost incurred prior to the commencement date of a Funding Deed with the Commonwealth
• Staff relocations costs
• Administration/overhead and infrastructure costs
• Travel and living expenses
• Hospitality/catering costs
• Costs involved in the purchase/upgrade of software including licences
• Costs associated with the protection or patenting of intellectual property
• Feasibility projects/studies
• Costs associated with market research for products or research carried out by surveys to assess the size of the market and/or the price of a particular service or product
• Costs associated with activities of a distinctly commercial or proprietary nature that are aimed at selling or attracting investment
• Costs associated with product development and the building or production of commercial prototypes
• Marketing campaigns
• Projects funded solely by other Australian Government programs.

Expressions of interest close on 20 August 2009

12 companies have shared in over $2.4 million in government grants from the Re-tooling for Climate Change program. One of the companies includes Rapid Aluminium who received a government grant of $81,622. Rapid is a major distributor and finisher of an extensive range of aluminium profiles and extrusions for the architectural and commercial building industry. They will use the government grant to install a water recovery and reuse for powdercoating pre-treatment production lines.

“The project will ensure the permanent installation of a water recovery system and creation of a closed loop system of water reuse for the pre-treatment lines with the permanent disconnection of the lines from the trade waste system.”

The Re-tooling for Climate Change program will help small and medium sized Australian manufacturers reduce their environmental footprint, through projects that improve the energy and/or water efficiency of their production processes. The program provides government grants of between $10,000 and $500,000, up to a maximum of half of the cost of each project.

Government grant applications may be submitted at any time and will be assessed on a regular basis by Innovation Australia.  An applicant may commence work on their project once AusIndustry has reviewed its application and confirmed that it is complete and eligible. However, there is no guarantee of funding support unless and until an offer of grant is made and a grant agreement signed.