Project 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.

Aboriginal Cultural Heritage

The Hawkesbury Nepean CMA is committed to the protection of Aboriginal Cultural Heritage. All project applications are assessed to determine if a known (registered) aboriginal site is in close proximity to the project site. In the small number of cases where this occurs, an Aboriginal officer from the CMA will inspect the project site to ensure that the proposed activities do not impact on Aboriginal Cultural Heritage.

If Aboriginal objects occur on a project site, it must be reported to the Department of Environment and Climate Change for registration. The landholder will be advised as to the nature and location of the objects and the need to seek an Aboriginal Impact Permit if any future activity was likely to impact on the objects.

Should the applicant not wish to have an Aboriginal Cultural Heritage inspection on their property, they may advise the CMA that they wish to withdraw their application.