Hunter Water Landcare Assistance Fund

Grant Application Guidelines 2009/10 (For projects inside Hunter Water area of operation)

Download the Application Form (MS Word)

About the Landcare Assistance Fund (LAF)

LAF is a small grants scheme managed by Hunter Region Landcare Network (HRLN).

The Hunter Water Corporation (Hunter Water) has allocated funds for 2009-10.

The fund supports community managed environmental projects which are located within the Hunter Water areas of operation. (This includes the Local Government Areas of Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Cessnock, Port Stephens and Dungog.

Small projects up to the value of $1,500. are funded.  LAF will not fund  labour.

Applying for a LAF grant

Application forms can be obtained from the HRLN office on request.

Applications can be submitted at any time but are seasonally assessed at the end of each quarter.  The HRLN provides a panel to assess project applications for final endorsement and allocation of funds. The selection panel consists of a minimum of three people.

The assessment process considers all proposals against the guidelines and the availability of funds. In the event of insufficient funds, the selection panel will make an offer to the applicant for a lesser amount.

The selection panel will also advise the applicant on alternative funds available and suitable for the project.

In the event that a member of the selection panel is involved in a LAF application, a conflict of interest will be declared.

Within 12 months after the lodgement date, successful applicants will be required to submit a final report to evaluate the funded project.

LAF Guidelines

When preparing your application please consider the following:

  • The project MUST relate to at least one of these four criteria:
  • To conserve, rehabilitate and better manager river systems.
  • To restore bushland and conserve sensitive areas by planting native trees, shrubs and grasses.
  • To provide protection for native species including threatened and endangered flora and fauna.
  • To protect our urban environment.


In addition the project must satisfy each of the following:

  • The project is located inside the Hunter Water area of operation.
  • The project budget includes a matching contribution (either “in kind” or $ for $.
  • The project will provide lasting benefits to the community and/or the environment?
  • The project promotes the Landcare ethic and will benefit the broader Landcare community.
  • The project is a cooperative effort and/or is of benefit to more than one group.
  • Funds are likely to facilitate larger projects or finalise a project.
  • Has the group/project received other funding previously?

How to Apply

Before submitting an application it is suggested that you first discuss your idea with HRLN:  Ph: 0458 348 110.or 4934 8110.

Post your application to:
Hunter Region Landcare Network
PO Box 447
Maitland  NSW 2320
Or email:  hrln@bigpond.com

Note to Applicants

The Hunter Region Landcare Network will not consider further applications, if successful applicants fail to submit their final report upon completion of their project.

Application Checklist

The official HRLN LAF grant Application Form must be used when applying.

  • Have you answered all questions?
  • Have you attached a copy of relevant public liability insurance certificates?
  • Have you attached all relevant quotes?
  • Have you attached the ‘before’ photo?
  • Have you included supporting documents, such as mud maps, diagrams, letters of support, etc?
  • Have you ticked all the boxes?
  • Have you personally signed and dated the Form on the back page?