THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GRANTS POLICY REVIEW · Report

PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE MEETING                                              8 AUGUST 2023


                                                                    which are managed through the
                                                                    budget process
Assessed by current          All applications assessed by a         The maximum grant value in new
Council officers, approved   panel of Council Officers, including   Guidelines will be $5000 (under
by Manager. Grants over      non Economic Development staff,        the $7500 procurement
30% of budget require        with final approval by Director (or    threshold).Removes potential
Council approval             delegated Manager)                     conflict of interest and adds more
                                                                    rigour & fairness to the
                                                                    assessment process
Strategic Criteria           Strategic criteria PLUS the addition Most of the applications were
                             of a more tactical activations       tactical, difficult to be strategic
                                                                  with the budget allocated to the
                                                                  grants. More tactical criteria
                                                                  allow Council flexibility to focus
                                                                  on current priorities, such as
                                                                  placemaking when assessing
                                                                  grant applications


Small Business Friendly Charter

The modifications in the Policy also reflect Council’s commitment and obligations under the Small
Business Friendly Charter, signed earlier this year. These include:
   •   We will simplify administration and regulation for small business (red tape reduction);
   •   Limit unnecessary administration and take steps to ensure continuous business
       improvement;
   •   Make it easier for small businesses to comply with administrative and/or regulatory
       requirements;
   •   Develop networks access education and increase their capabilities;
   •   Regularly review and streamline administrative and/or regulatory arrangements to reduce red
       tape;
   •   Help small business develop networks, access education, and increase their capabilities;
   •   Assist small businesses to access government, business and industry programs and
       resources;
   •   The recommended changes to the Policy will lead to a more streamlined process with a
       simplified application form, a clearer assessment criteria and process, supporting our
       commitment to being a Small Business Friendly Council.

Guidelines
The Economic Development Grant Guidelines (Attachment 5) have been modified to reflect the
amended Policy.

Annual Report
An Annual Report will be provided to Council at the conclusion of each financial year either
separately or as part of the Operational Plan reporting. The Annual Report will summarise all Grants
awarded for that year, including recipient organisation and a brief project description.

Link to Corporate Plan