Search Grants & Funding

Transport for NSW (TfNSW) works in partnership with local councils to co-fund Safety Officer (RSO) positions and contribute funding to LGRSP projects targeting road safety issues at a local level.
The objectives of the LGRSP are:

• Raise the profile of road safety within local government areas (LGAs)
• Create a road safety culture within the local community
• Consult with internal council stakeholders, in particular through the Local Traffic Committee and relevant local businesses, other government agencies and community organisations, which is integral to the delivery of effective road safety initiatives.
• Deliver regional, state and national road safety initiatives within the local context
• Develop, implement and evaluate evidence-based projects aimed at influencing behaviour to improve road safety in local communities
• Promote, encourage and support the adoption the ‘Safe System’ approach to road safety and integrate this within the strategic planning framework for local councils i.e work with engineers to promote safe system initiatives and treatments
• Facilitate the involvement of local businesses, other government agencies and community groups/clubs in community road safety

Co-funding is available for approved councils to:

• Employ an RSO (see Section 6) whose tasks will include applying for road safety project funding (up to the amount approved by TfNSW)
• Support road safety projects (see Section 5) to address identified road safety issues in the LGA (up to the amount approved by TfNSW).

The Local Government Road Safety Program provides:

• Professional support for local councils to address local road safety issues
• Funding to support a dedicated behavioural road safety role to your LGA
• Project funding for behavioural and safer system road safety projects

Councils choosing not to employ an RSO can apply for road safety project funding of up to 50 per cent of the cost of the project. This could include a HR component for the cost of personnel to plan and deliver the project. 

Regional recipients of the Minimum Viable Product grant can now claim up to $2000 to help them travel for an innovation-related purpose.

The stipend removes cost barriers that would otherwise prevent an early-stage startup from participating in innovation-related meetings, programs or events at the Sydney Startup Hub launch or run through the Local Innovation Network.

This helps to ensure regional entrepreneurs can access the full benefits of the NSW Government’s investment in creating sustainable innovation communities.

CSIRO Kick-Start is a new initiative for innovative Australian start-ups and small SMEs, providing funding support and access to CSIRO’s research expertise and capabilities to help grow and develop their business.

The program offers eligible businesses access to dollar-matched funding of $10,000-$50,000 to undertake the following research activities with CSIRO:

• Research into a new idea with commercial potential.
• Development of a novel or improved product or process.
• Test a novel product or material developed by the company.

Their experienced SME Connect team works alongside SMEs to identify the relevant research capabilities best suited to their needs, and facilitates researcher introductions and project scoping. They also assist with the application process and maintain an end-to-end engagement with the SME and researchers to ensure favourable outcomes for all parties.

CSIRO Kick-Start projects must be under 12 months in duration and businesses are required to make a cash contribution that matches the funding voucher.

The NSW Government will offer $3,000 rebates for the first 25,000 new full battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs), purchased for a dutiable value of less than $68,750 that are registered on or after 1 September 2021.

The BIERP provides a funding mechanism for repair or replacement of recreational boating infrastructure that is lost or damaged in natural events such as storms and floods and extends assistance to events such as acts of vandalism, theft or accidental damage.

Funding requests for emergency repairs can be received at any time by completing and submitting the relevant application form and supporting documentation.

Repair or replacement of publicly owned recreational boating facilities may be eligible for funding under the BIERP. These facilities include recreational jetties and wharves, boat ramps, pontoons, pump out facilities, slipways, storage facilities, parking areas and some supporting amenities, provided that the asset owner has appropriately insured and
maintained the asset. Funding for boating infrastructure that is owned by a registered club or voluntary organisation may also be considered, provided that the facility significantly benefits boaters and is publicly accessible.

The REPAIR Program provides funds to assist councils in carrying out larger rehabilitation and development works on regional roads. The aim of the REPAIR Program is to minimise the long term maintenance costs of these roads in line with their function and usage.

Under the REPAIR Program, councils can apply for a 50 per cent contribution from the State Government for specific works. Works must be completed by 30 June in the financial year in which funds were provided.

Works must contribute to at least one of the following:

• Economic development
• Integrity of communities
• Road network efficiency
• Regional tourism
• Road safety

The REPAIR Program targets the following types of work in order of priority:

Rural areas

• Road pavement rehabilitation
• Sealing shoulders / widening
• Bridge repairs and replacement
• Provision of initial seals that contribute to minimising long-term maintenance costs

Urban areas

• Road pavement rehabilitation and travel lanes
• Bridge repairs and replacement
• Development of travel lanes

Quick Response Grants are available on a monthly basis from February to November, with all applications being competitively assessed at the end of each month. The grant amounts vary, with individuals able to apply for up to $3000 and organisations up to $5000, though there is no minimum grant amount. It’s important to note that there is a limited funding pool, so accurate budgeting is crucial to ensure you are only applying for the amount you truly need.

These grants are designed to assist with urgent needs that may arise unexpectedly and are not covered by other funding rounds. This includes opportunities such as professional development, skills development, and small projects that require immediate attention.

Projects funded by the Quick Response Grants must begin within 2–12 weeks of the closing date of the round in which the application is made. Applicants will be informed of the outcome of their applications no later than 5 business days after the end of each month’s assessment.

The Employment Assistance Fund (EAF) helps people with disabilities and mental health conditions to buy work related modifications and services.

The EAF is available to people with disability who are about to start a job or who are currently working, as well as people who need help to find and prepare for a job. It is also available to people with disability who are self-employed, and jobseekers who need Auslan assistance, or special work equipment to look for and prepare for a job.

To be eligible for the EAF, the person with disability must:

• be an Australian citizen or permanent resident
• be currently in a job that is expected to continue for 13 weeks or more
• be working at least eight hours per week, or 20 hours per week if self-employed
• have an ongoing disability that has lasted, or will last at least two years. Your disability must limit, restrict or impair your ability to work.

The Tradex Scheme provides an upfront exemption from Customs duty and GST for eligible goods imported to Australia that are then exported within one year or other approved period. This provides a cash-flow benefit to the importer.

The goods may be:

• exported in the same condition as imported
• processed or treated then exported, or
• incorporated in other goods which are exported.

Export may be carried out by the importer or a third party. The goods must be exported within one year although approval can be sought to extend this period.

The Tradex Scheme is an alternative to the duty drawback arrangements under the Customs Act 1901. Duty drawback allows the importer to claim back Customs duty paid on goods that are then exported.

Major Project Status is the Australian Government’s recognition of the national significance of a project – for economic growth, employment or for regional Australia.

If your project gets Major Project Status, you’ll get extra support from the Major Projects Facilitation Agency (MPFA). This includes help with coordination and facilitation of Commonwealth Government approvals. Your project may need a range of approvals such as environmental, biosecurity or foreign investment approvals.

Most projects have Major Project Status for 3 years.

If approved, you will get:

• A single entry point for Commonwealth Government approvals
• Project support and coordination
• Help with state and territory approvals

To be eligible, the project must have an estimated investment of more than $50 million and meet the following criteria:

1. The project is of strategic significance to Australia
2. The project requires Commonwealth Government approvals or involvement
3. The project has sufficient financial resources and is commercially viable

Natural disaster financial assistance is available to help sporting and recreation clubs directly affected by a declared natural disaster including flood, fire or storm damage.

This low interest rate loan can help meet the costs of restoring essential club facilities, equipment or other assets that have been damaged or destroyed by a natural disaster.

A repayment term of up to five years is available dependent upon the amount borrowed and the club’s ability to repay.

A list of declared disasters and the associated closing dates for applications is available on the Rural Assistance Authority website.

The program, funded through the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program, delivers hands-on, practical skills to women as independent land stewards with a keen interest in agriculture, to work and make decisions on properties.
 
Ladies in Livestock groups have been established and are now flourishing in Guyra, Inverell, Tenterfield, and Walcha and the groups draw a diverse range of women with various experiences. Topics range widely from animal health and management, marketing options, financial planning, paddock preparation, pasture selection and identification, weed identification and biosecurity management.
 
The program provides a supportive learning space for women who may feel less inclined to ask technical questions during mixed field days or workshops. Each group is tailored to the majority interest and production of that district. The presenters are knowledgeable, interesting and engaging. The Ladies in Livestock groups are open to any women. Meeting frequency is decided by each group and timing is considered to allow for school runs and school holidays.
 
If you are interested in joining a group please contact Northern Tablelands Local Land Services on 1300 795 299.

A subsidy is available for the cost of transporting donated fodder organised by community groups or other organisations within NSW to a central location for distribution to properties affected by drought and other emergencies. This subsidy will pay for 100% of the costs of transporting donated fodder from within NSW up to a maximum of $5 per kilometre (plus GST) to a maximum eligible distance of 1,500 kilometres.

Whether you are just starting out with a great business idea or looking to expand and grow your business, Business Connect services can help you on your journey to business success.Business Connect is a dedicated and personalised NSW Government program that provides trusted advice to help you start or grow your small business.

If your business has been affected by COVID-19 or bushfires, you can access free business advice and webinars including:

• developing a customised recovery strategy
• managing your cashflow
• accessing finance including grants and loans
• marketing your business to reach new customers
• connecting to other government support and local professional services.

The Farm Innovation Fund provides low interest loans to helps farmers to:

• Improve farm productivity by reducing risks and improve efficiencies by building fodder and grain storage facilities, sheds, fencing, roadworks and solar power conversions.
• Manage adverse seasonal conditions by improving water efficiencies with irrigation systems, cap and piping of bores, new dams, install water tanks and desilting of ground tanks.
• Ensure long term sustainability by increasing the viability of a farm business and improve pasture and soil health, plant trees for shade and wildlife corridors, eradicate weeds, flood proof property and fence riverbanks.