GUIDELINES FOR APPLICANTS - South Australia · PDF fileGUIDELINES FOR APPLICANTS ......

Open Space & Places for People Funding Guidelines –

Call: Matthew Lang (7109 7090)

Email : [email protected]

GUIDELINES FOR APPLICANTS Open Space / Places for People Grant Funding




TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION 1 - Grant Program.......................................................................................................................... 4

1.1 Introduction................................................................................................................................................ 4

1.2 Open Space grant funding ......................................................................................................................... 4

1.3 Places for People grant funding ................................................................................................................. 5

1.4 Eligibility .................................................................................................................................................... 5

SECTION 2 - How to Apply ............................................................................................................................ 7

2.1 Process to apply ........................................................................................................................................ 7

2.2 Application form ......................................................................................................................................... 7

2.3 Application and assessment process ......................................................................................................... 7

2.4 Grant funding availability ............................................................................................................................ 8

SECTION 3 - Open Space Funding ............................................................................................................... 9

3.1 Grant Funding Categories .......................................................................................................................... 9

3.2 Meeting the objectives of the Open Space program ................................................................................. 10

3.3 Open space land purchases .................................................................................................................... 11

3.4 Open space planning ............................................................................................................................... 12

3.5 Open space development ........................................................................................................................ 12

SECTION 4 – Places for People Funding .................................................................................................... 13

4.1 Grant funding categories .......................................................................................................................... 13




4.2 Meeting the objectives of the Places for People program ......................................................................... 14

4.3 Strategic Urban Design ............................................................................................................................ 16

4.4 Design and contract documentation ......................................................................................................... 18

4.5 Development ........................................................................................................................................... 18

4.6 Places for People funded project example (before and after) .................................................................... 18

SECTION 5 - Council and Community Commitment .................................................................................. 19

5.1 External funding and joint partnerships .................................................................................................... 19

SECTION 6 - Grant Funding Approvals ...................................................................................................... 20

6.1 Conditions of support ............................................................................................................................... 20

6.2 Successful applications............................................................................................................................ 21

SECTION 7 – Contact Details ...................................................................................................................... 22

7.1 Grant funding coordinators....................................................................................................................... 22

7.2 Address for submission ............................................................................................................................ 22




SECTION 1 - Grant Program

1.1 Introduction

The Planning and Development Fund operates under the Development Act 1993 and provides the means for the

Government to implement open space and public space programs across South Australia. Money paid into the

Fund is derived from cash payments in lieu of open space for development involving the division of land into less

than 20 allotments and for strata and community titles. Money paid into the Fund is spent in line with section 81 of

the Act, which includes:

the acquisition, management and development of open space; and

assisting councils in the provision and development of public land for conservation and recreation.

The Planning and Development Fund finances two grant programs:

Open Space Grant Funding

Places for People Grant Funding

1.2 Open Space grant funding

Open Space grant funding is a State Government program available to Local Government throughout South

Australia to strategically acquire, plan and develop quality regional open space. Preference is given to projects

located within the Metropolitan Open Space System (MOSS). MOSS includes the Adelaide City Park Lands, the

Hills Face Zone, the coastal foreshore, various urban buffers, and the major watercourses crossing the

metropolitan area.

The principle objective of the program is to assist in the preservation, enhancement and enjoyment of regional

open space areas containing elements of natural beauty, conservation significance and cultural value. Projects

must feature high quality unstructured recreation which is compatible with the surrounding environment.

‘Regional open space’ includes large public reserves, having a wide range of visitor facilities and/or unique

conservation or heritage features, and normally attracting people from a wide catchment, including tourists.




‘High quality unstructured recreation’ is determined by the creative integration of different forms of unstructured

recreation and the quality of the materials used.

‘Unstructured recreation’ is activity that relies on the open space qualities of a park or reserve rather than the

provision of extensive developed facilities e.g. walking, cycling, informal ball games, trails, picnicking. Formal

sporting activities are not considered unstructured recreation.

Commencing in 2014/15, the Open Space program will also be available for local playground and reserve

projects. Funding will be made available to create new or enhance existing local reserves and playgrounds to

provide recreation and social opportunities in our local communities (e.g. play equipment, shade structures and

park furniture).

1.3 Places for People grant funding

Places for People is a State Government grant funding program available to Local Government throughout South

Australia to strategically plan, design and develop prominent public places of community significance. The

principal objective of the program is to help create new public places or revitalise existing public spaces that

contribute to the social, cultural and economic life of the community they serve.

Places for People assists councils and their communities to create vibrant public spaces, develop a ‘sense of

place’ that reflects local character, improves the relationship between public and private areas, and enhances

public places in terms of use ability, safety and visual appeal.

The program also aims to foster the development of an urban design culture and innovation within councils,

ensuring a commitment to strategic, collaborative practices and high quality, sustainable outcomes.

1.4 Eligibility

Applications can only be made by Local Government or the Outback Communities Authority (not by

community groups or private organisations). Councils are encouraged to jointly apply for grant funding to

achieve regional priorities and councils strategic objectives.

Projects must be directly linked to the directions and priorities of the Planning Strategy for SA i.e. The 30-

Year Plan for Greater Adelaide or volumes of the Regional Planning Strategies for South Australia.

In Greater Adelaide priority will be given to projects which link directly to the priorities of The 30-Year

Plan for Greater Adelaide and support the new urban form.

In Regional SA priority will be given to projects which link directly with the priorities of Regional SA Plans

(volumes of the Planning Strategy for South Australia).

Projects must be of regional significance or contribute to the use and enjoyment of local playgrounds and

reserves.

Projects must be for development on public land with free public access




Councils must have successfully completed all contractual obligations for previously funded projects

Please note

Funding is only available for new works. No retrospective funding will be made for projects or studies

undertaken prior to funding approval.

Projects must be completed in 18 months of grant funding approval.

This is a competitive grant process; all applications will be assessed according to the assessment criteria

and will be reviewed by the Minister for Planning.

Applications for projects which are considered to be part of council’s usual ongoing maintenance and

management of a site will not be considered for funding.




SECTION 2 - How to Apply

2.1 Process to apply

Step 1 Read the Open Space and Places for People grant funding program guidelines available on the

Government of South Australia website: www.sa.gov.au/planning/publicspacegrants . Ensure

Council has adequately prioritised its open space and public realm projects.

Step 2 Discuss the proposed project/s with a grant funding coordinator. All applicants must first discuss the

eligibility of projects with a grant funding coordinator before submitting an application. This is to

ensure that all applications are consistent with the overall objectives of the Open Space/Places for

People grant program.

Step 3 Where appropriate, arrange a site visit and meeting with the grant funding coordinator to view the

site and discuss the proposal.

Step 4 Once the scope, detail and eligibility of your proposal has been determined, you should complete a

detailed application form. One of the funding coordinators can assist you with your application.

2.2 Application form

Applications for Open Space or Places for People grant funding must be submitted on the application form. An

electronic copy is available to download from the Government of South Australia website at

www.sa.gov.au/planning/publicspacegrants

2.3 Application and assessment process

Applications for eligible projects will be accepted by the Public Space Team, Department of Planning, Transport

and Infrastructure at any time prior to the application closing date.

Assessment of the project may involve an inspection of the project site with the council project manager and the

Open Space / Places for People coordinators.

http://www.sa.gov.au/planning/publicspacegrants

http://www.sa.gov.au/planning/publicspacegrants




Any plans and reports submitted in support of the application will be retained by the Public Space Team,

Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure for future reference and will not be returned.

2.4 Grant funding availability

Funding available for a particular project is dependent on:

the project’s ability to fully satisfy the assessment criteria

the availability of funding in the Planning and Development Fund.

Applicants are encouraged to seek other sources of funding to supplement funding for their project, and where

successful, are required to disclose these other sources of funding to the Department of Planning, Transport and

Infrastructure.




SECTION 3

Open Space Funding

3.1 Grant Funding Categories

Grants are made available under the categories of:

land purchase

planning

development (including local playgrounds and reserves)

Projects generally supported under these categories include:

regional parks, waterways and coastal reserves (not including ongoing maintenance works)

trails and strategic open space linkages

strategic planning (open space and public realm strategies across a council area or region)

projects indentified in the Metropolitan Open Space System (MOSS) including Coast Park, the Hills Face

Zone, Adelaide Park Lands, and the major watercourses.

local reserves and playgrounds

Projects not eligible include:

commercial operations

road works including car parks

sporting facilities

ongoing reserve management and maintenance




public art pieces as a singular project (may be included as part of an overall project design)

council administration and projects management costs associated with delivering the project

3.2 Meeting the objectives of the Open Space program

Projects should demonstrate how they align to the following objectives:

OBJECTIVE A

Promote conservation.

assist in the preservation, biodiversity, enhancement and enjoyment of features of natural beauty,

conservation significance or cultural value

OBJECTIVE B

Promote unstructured recreation.

provide a high degree of unstructured recreation compatible with the surrounding environment

provide open spaces that are multifunctional and provide a diversity of uses

OBJECTIVE C

Improve access and linkages.

provide safe walking and cycling links between communities and land uses

provide open spaces within safe comfortable walking distances of residents in new growth areas

OBJECTIVE D

Support the social and cultural wellbeing of the community.

maximise opportunity of use for the entire community and take into account the needs of mobility impaired

users, the elderly and children. Provide disabled access when possible.

contribute to a sense of place and character

demonstrate how the vitality and social interaction of an area will be enhanced

promote health and wellbeing

incorporate elements of education / interpretation that the community can relate to




OBJECTIVE E

Maximise opportunities for environmental sustainability.

utilise rainwater recycling, solar energy and planting that requires low watering

improve the environment for pedestrians and cyclists where appropriate

ensure that public spaces have sufficient shade

OBJECTIVE F

Consider safety.

consider day and night use options

take into account maintenance and vandalism issues

take into account the recommendations and advice contained in the publication ‘Crime Prevention

Through Environmental Design and Urban Design’ (Planning SA, 2004).

3.3 Open space land purchases

Grant funding is available to Councils for the purchase of strategic land to be set aside as regional open space

throughout the State, with priority given to land where future use is for conservation or unstructured public

recreation.

Councils must agree to include any land purchased through grant funding on their Community Land register and

enter into a Land Management Agreement to ensure that the land remains as public open space and is managed

in line with its intended use.

A sample copy of the Land Management Agreement can be obtained from the Public Space Team, Department of

Planning, Transport and Infrastructure on request.

An application for a land purchase, must include a current market valuation of the property (by a Certified

Practising Valuer), a map of the site and legal description of the property including a current copy of the Certificate

of Title and all other relevant details regarding the proposed purchase in support of the application. Applications

must be based on the current market value listed in the valuation, with any payment above market value to be

fully funded by Council.

Grant funding will only be provided towards the market value of the land. Funding will not be provided towards

legal costs, transfer fees, stamp duty or compensation arising from compulsory acquisition of the land by Council.

No retrospective funding will be provided for land already acquired by Council prior to grant funding approval.




3.4 Open space planning

Grant funding is available to Councils for strategic planning and the preparation of concept plans, masterplans

and detailed design to guide the future development of regional open space across a council, neighbourhood or

region.

The Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure may request to:

be represented on the working group overseeing the preparation of the plan, and

comment on the project brief for the study.

Applications for open space planning should be supported by a project brief, and include detail about how the

community / stakeholders will be involved in the development of the plan.

Grant funding is only provided for the planning of Community Land reserved or dedicated as a park or reserve

under the Local Government Act 1999, or where Council has vested management of the land under the Crown

Lands Act 1929.

3.5 Open space development

Grant funding is available to Councils for the development of regional open space throughout the State for

conservation and / or unstructured recreation.

Grant funding applications should:

be based on a detailed concept plan for the site, which has been prepared by a suitably qualified person

outline what community consultation has been undertaken for the project and the results of this consultation

provide an accurate breakdown of development costs (preferably supplied by a quantity surveyor)

provide a timeline for works.

Grant Funding is only provided for development works on Community Land reserved or dedicated as a park or

reserve under the Local Government Act 1999, or where Council has vested management of the land under the

Crown Lands Act 1929.

Councils must provide details in regard to the ‘Community Land’ status of the land subject to proposed

development works.




SECTION 4

Places for People Funding

4.1 Grant funding categories

Grants are made available under the categories of:

strategic urban design

design and contract documentation

development

Projects generally supported under these categories include:

urban design frameworks, masterplans for places of strategic importance

strategic planning (open space and public realm strategies across a council area or region)

detailed design for key public realm enhancement projects in public open space areas

development of nodes in key public spaces including foreshore, riverfront, linear park and main street

precincts

civic plazas, town squares

development of shared use streets and other streets for people initiatives.

Grant funding is available for place activation of high profile public spaces (gathering points) through creative

design and the development of important activity centre spaces / community hubs (this does not include

buildings).

Projects which support the new urban form with vibrant public spaces, and improve the connectivity between

regional public spaces and high profile destinations will be priorities.




Projects not eligible include:

commercial operations and buildings

road works including upgrading of footpaths and kerbs (footpaths and roadwork’s included in a major

redesign or creation of a community space or shared use path may be eligible)

civil works associated with car parks

public art pieces as a singular project (may be included as part of an overall project design)

in-kind support which includes council administration duties to deliver the project

projects that require the public to pay a fee to access the site.

Places for People funding is not available for projects on privately owned land, however private property is often

part of the public realm or visually contributes towards it. Places for People projects can be a catalyst for

complementary improvement works on privately owned sites through effective consultation, programming and

design. Complementary works such as landscaping or maintenance to improve the appearance of private

buildings that visually contribute to the public realm can be considered as important external funding contributions

in the assessment of projects.

The project must form part of a sequential process beginning with a strategic urban design process. Design work

must demonstrate its strategic design foundations.

4.2 Meeting the objectives of the Places for People program

The overall objective of the Places for People program is to create or revitalise existing public spaces that

contribute to the social, cultural and economic wellbeing of the entire community. Projects should demonstrate

how they meet the following objectives:

OBJECTIVE A

Increase the useability and function of the public realm. Projects need to:

create public spaces that promote vibrancy, a sense of place, safety and connectedness

maximise and increase the quality of public spaces, and require excellent design in the public realm

encourage mixed-use public realm precincts

design spaces specific to the location and community

OBJECTIVE B

Innovative and creative design processes and outcomes. Projects need to:




creatively embrace all professionals in the design process

create unique and beautifully designed public spaces

include ‘artistic’ creativity in the form of public art and the design of street furniture

‘Artistic’ creativity may also be appropriate as a means to engage the resident and business community into the

design process and future ‘ownership’ of the project.

Please refer to the Arts SA website regarding incorporating public art into the project and to determine eligibility

for funding of public art elements http://www.arts.sa.gov.au/

OBJECTIVE C

Support the social, cultural and economic wellbeing of the community. Projects need to:

maximise opportunity of use for the entire community and take into account the needs of mobility impaired

users, the elderly and children

demonstrate how the vitality, community life and social interaction of an area will be improved

focus on place making and building stronger communities

integrate and complement opportunities and initiatives for investment.

respect the existing environment, and develop a ‘sense of place’ and identity that reflects local culture,

heritage and character

foster community ‘ownership’ and approval as part of the design process

OBJECTIVE D

Improve access and linkages. Projects need to:

enhance the useability of public spaces, both visually and by improving linkages and connections

support and encourage wider community use of the public realm and surrounds

support and improve urban and rural centres and other strategic places such as transport nodes

improve the relationship between public and private spaces

OBJECTIVE E

Maximise opportunities for environmental sustainability. Projects need to:

create an urban environment that demonstrates water efficiency through the application of water-sensitive

urban design principles

http://www.arts.sa.gov.au/




utilise rainwater recycling, solar energy and planting that requires low watering

consider the use of low maintenance elements

improve the environment for pedestrians and cyclists where appropriate

ensure that public spaces have suitable shade

OBJECTIVE F

Improve the safety of the public realm. Projects need to:

Create safe and inviting public spaces that will encourage community participation by a wide range of

people

consider day and night use options

take into account maintenance and vandalism issues

take into account the recommendations and advice contained in the publication ‘Crime Prevention

Through Environmental Design and Urban Design’ (Planning SA, 2004).

4.3 Strategic Urban Design

Dependent on the size and scale of the area, the strategic urban design process will usually take the form of an

urban design framework or an urban design master plan.

Strategic urban design studies focus on revitalising urban or town centres to create active, diverse and adaptable

public spaces which enhance strategic links between towns. They provide strategies on reinforcing a sense of

place and identity to enhance and revitalise existing public spaces or create new spaces.

Urban design frameworks

Urban design frameworks provide an integrated development vision for specific urban areas and places.

They are usually appropriate for larger areas or where the public realm comprises several component

spaces.

The development of an urban design framework involves analysing and understanding the existing

conditions of a specific place, including access and movement networks, land uses, ownership, management

and environmental factors associated with the area. This information is then translated into a design concept

that can be easily visualised and implemented.

Urban design frameworks can also include ‘non-physical’ suggestions to assist in the implementation of the

physical concept. This might include suggestions on management structures, changes to land use policy,

funding and investments. The implementation of an urban design framework is based on immediate,

medium-term and long-term timeframes.




The success of an urban design framework relies on contributions from a range of professionals and

members of the community, from qualified planners and designers to local business owners.

Urban design frameworks will vary in scale depending on the geographic boundary of each project.

Frameworks that deal with large geographic areas may need to be further refined by developing urban

design master plans for individual precincts.

Note: Urban design frameworks differ from township spatial plans or economic development plans which look

at the strategic directions of a town and the existing and future land uses and proposed economic and

investment opportunities. Urban design frameworks build on these plans and strategic directions but also

consider the existing and desired ‘look and feel’ of a place and the strategic role the public realm has in

implementing these changes and objectives.

If a ‘strategic vision’ is not already in place, township spatial planning or economic development planning can

be included as the start of the urban design framework process. However, if physical changes to the public

realm will not be a substantial element of a completed future vision or direction for a study area then the

Places for People program is not the appropriate funding opportunity for such a study.

Urban design masterplans

An urban design masterplan relates to precincts or specific areas identified within an urban design

framework. Masterplans may or may not be necessary, depending on the scale of the project (i.e. simple

landscape projects with little civil engineering or architectural design may not require a more thorough design

process offered by a masterplan. Alternatively masterplans may be the appropriate design process starting

point for a particular space, where broader spatial analysis and site context analysis is not warranted by

undertaking an urban design framework).

For development of a masterplan, attach evidence of a relationship to a previous urban design process,

spatial plans and development strategies.

Design guidelines

Design guidelines should establish design parameters of high quality, best practice and consistency in

keeping with a design vision for an area. Design guidelines may include landscaping elements such as

paving, vegetation, street furniture and lighting. They may also include ‘desired character statements’.

Design guidelines form a more detailed visual and verbal analysis and description of a place’s current and/or

desired future character. Design guidelines become a mechanism to communicate a look, feel, and function

of the public and private realm to gain more consistency across a broader geographical area (a whole town)

or at a precinct level (a town’s main street). Such an analysis can inform development plan amendments and

other council policy amendments covering heritage, open space and urban design.




4.4 Design and contract documentation

Detailed design should produce construction drawings such as engineering, internal and external elevations, and

can be capable of being formally costed. Design documentation will ensure projects have the suitable

specification for contracts and implementation of capital works. For detailed design and contract documentation

projects, attach evidence of previous strategic urban design processes.

4.5 Development

Capital works projects may be eligible for funding provided they are a product of a design based, strategic

process. Evidence that a suitable approach was used and the objectives were compatible with the Places for

People program will be required.

Applications for capital works must provide an accurate breakdown of capital works costs (preferably supplied by

a quality contractor).

Capital works that have already commenced are not eligible for funding.

For capital works projects, attach evidence that the work relates directly to a previous strategic urban design and

previous professional design processes.

4.6 Places for People funded project example (before and after)

Piazza della Valle, McLaren Vale (before) Piazza della Valle, McLaren Vale (after)




SECTION 5

Council and Community Commitment

5.1 External funding and joint partnerships

Projects should not be solely reliant on Open Space/Places for People funding

Preference will be given to projects that have at least a 50% council contribution (the level of Open

Space/Places for People contribution will, however, be balanced against the merits of the proposal and

the capacity of the council making the submission)

Projects need to demonstrate a commitment to the ongoing maintenance of capital works projects.

Applicants must investigate and embrace other external funding opportunities and seek partner

organisations with objectives matching those of the project

Projects should foster partnerships with other stakeholders who have land interests in the community

(stakeholders may include government agencies such as the Housing Trust, Transport Division of DPTI,

or local schools and businesses). Partnerships should seek to establish mutual objectives and approach

opportunities to lever additional investment to add value

Applications should also consider other State, Federal, and Commonwealth Government grant funding

programs (refer to www.grantslink.gov.au).

Preference will be given to projects that can demonstrate a strong level of community support

Applications should include evidence that the project is supported by local elected members

Preference will be given to projects that can show further evidence of the support of business and

community groups, and demonstrate a community consultation process.

http://www.grantslink.gov.au/




SECTION 6

Grant Funding Approvals

6.1 Conditions of support

Successful applicants will be required to enter into a formal funding agreement (Deed of Condition). The

agreement will require commitment to the following conditions:

1. The grant provided will be used by the applicant for the purposes outlined in agreed project outcomes

documentation and a Schedule of Works, and to the agreed timetable

2. The grant will be paid after completion and return of the Deed of Condition and the appointment of a council

project coordinator/manager

3. The grant will be conditional to the agreed contribution of the Minister and the Council and the total project

cost

4. The applicant shall invite a representative of The Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure

(DPTI) to participate in the steering group/committee (or equivalent project control mechanism) and ensure

suitable reporting arrangements on project progress and achievement of milestones, on an ongoing basis

until the project is completed

5. The applicant shall invite the DPTI representative for this project, to comment on the project brief prepared

prior to seeking tenders to undertake a project

6. The completion of all projects requires suitable evidence including evidence of appropriate financial spend

(completion of Annexure C in Deed), copy of report, concept plan etc, and images of completed project

7. Project cost over-runs are the financial responsibility of the Council or Authority

8. Variance of project scope, budget and grant requirement is at the discretion of the Minister

9. The grant will be repaid where project progress is considered unsatisfactory by the Minister

10. The applicant must acknowledge the contribution of the State Government’s Open Space or Places for

People program in any publicity material or event.




A sample copy of the Deed of Conditions of Grant can be obtained from the Department of Planning, Transport

and Infrastructure’s Public Space Team on request.

6.2 Successful applications

Payment of the grant for successful applications will be paid up front to Council on receipt of:

A signed Deed of Conditions of Grant which is to the satisfaction of the Minister

A tax invoice in accordance with the GST Act for the amount of the Grant

Following receipt of the Grant, the Council must:

Pay the Grant into the Grant Account;

Apply the grant solely towards the Project specified in Annexure A of the Deed;

Retain in the Grant Account all interest earned on the Grant and apply this money solely towards the

Project specified in Annexure A;

Provide a Final Report on completion of the Project as specified in Item 6 of the Schedule.




SECTION 7 - Contact Details

7.1 Grant funding coordinators

To discuss your proposal, or for further information, please contact a grant funding coordinator at the Department

of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure:

Matthew Lang

Tel: 7109 7090

Email: [email protected]

7.2 Address for submission

Open Space/Places for People Grant Application

Matthew Lang

Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure

GPO Box 1815

ADELAIDE SA 5001

mailto:[email protected]

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