How We Assess Projects

CMA project officers assess sites in the field while an independent panel makes decisions on funding projects

All applications for funding to the Hawkesbury Nepean CMA go through a rigorous, independent and transparent project assessment process.

Landholder funding assessment

Generally, high value conservation projects with significant environmental outcomes will be given priority for funding. The assessment process can be summarised by the following stages:

on-site inspections and site assessments carried out by CMA officers
landholders submit a project application for funding
an independent panel assesses applications quarterly
successful and unsuccessful applicants are informed of decisions
unsuccessful applicants may be invited to alter their application and reapply for funding

Independent panels have been set up for the CMA's projects to fund improvements on private property. The panel members have a range of natural resource management skills and expertise and include representatives from landholders, landcare, councils, indigenous community, Rural Lands Protection Board, government agency and CMA staff.

Panels consider the projects design, costs, landholder commitments, risk management and how the projects contribute to priority Catchment Action Plan targets.

Council funding assessment

Projects submitted for funding under the CMA's Local Government Partnership Program are assessed by an independent panel against objective criteria, specific to each funding round.

The panel comprises professional local government environment staff, and representatives from state agency, community, indigenous and non-government organisations.

Projects submitted to the Local Government Partnership Project follow the following process:

Expression of Interest (EOI) submitted by council
Assessment of EOIs to see if eligible against criteria of funding round and against Catchment Action Plan targets
If eligible, council develops a full project application with the assistance of CMA staff to maximise benefit to broad catchment issues and targets
Independent panel assesses full applications and selects final projects for funding.

Further information

Investment priorities
Investment principles
Water Management Principles