Biodiversity Grant

Applicant Eligibility

Applicants must be:

• Based in the Ashburton District.
• Applications from a national organisation must be made from the local branch of that organisation.
• Applications will only be accepted on the completed Biodiversity Application form.
• Incomplete applications that do not provide all of the requested information will be excluded from funding assessment.

Grant Eligibility

All Biodiversity projects must meet the following criteria:

• Aim to protect, maintain and/or restore biodiversity.
• Be within Ashburton District boundaries - between the Rakitata (Rangitata) and Rakaia Rivers.
• Applications must be from individuals, Businesses, Trusts and Societies, Schools, Clubs and Landcare and Catchment Groups. Applicants must provide landowners’ agreement if making the application on behalf of a landowner.

Ineligible Projects

The following projects are ineligible for Biodiversity Grant Funding:

• Purchasing of capital items such as motorbikes, trailers, spray units, and tools.
• Projects that generate profit or are for commercial gain.
• Projects which are required by or are the responsibility of a government agency.
• Projects that have been completed at the time of application. Retrospective costs incurred in delivering the project cannot be funded.
• Maintenance of existing fences.
• Planting projects using exotic plant species.

Assessment Considerations

• The degree to which the project will improve, protect, benefit, enhance, restore or reinstate indigenous biodiversity.
• The biodiversity values of the area to which the project relates, including such things as representativeness. distinctiveness, rarity, and long-term sustainability.
• The degree of current risk or threat to the biodiversity values being restored, enhanced, protected or maintained as a result of the project.
• Evidence of the applicant’s commitment to the project, particularly if it is a long-term project.
• The degree of on-going and legally binding protection provided to the project site.
• The use of eco-sourced native plants for planting projects.

Funding Priority

The fund is contestable and each application will be assessed on its merits on a case by case basis. Council will prioritise applications that meet one or more of the following funding priorities:

• Projects that will achieve positive biodiversity outcomes.
• Sites that have been the subject of an ecological assessment by a suitably qualified ecologist or biodiversity specialist.
• Sites that have ongoing and legally binding protection, such as a QEII open space covenant.
• Sites within areas of significant conservation values (ASCV) in the District Plan.
• Projects with a purpose of habitat protection or restoration.
• Initiatives or projects that will enhance environmental education or school programmes in the District.

Disclaimer

The final funding decisions are made at the discretion of Ashburton District Council. Successful applicants’ project details may be used for publicity purposes.

Funding Agreement

Successful applicants must complete and return a funding accountability form on the completion of the project, and within the financial year which funds were granted.

Receipts are required for all expenditure.

Applicants that do not return a completed accountability form will not be eligible for future Council grant funding