FURTHER REPORT - ENVIRONMENT PROJECT GRANTS (ROUND 21) (referred from General Committee dated 9 June 2026 Item 7.14) · Report

ORDINARY MEETING                                                                     18 JUNE 2026


Theme No. 4 - Future
This theme is focused on our future, strengthening our relationship with First Nations peoples and to
ensure our community is prepared and resilient to change. A focus on youth, climate resilience and
adaptation, sense of place and destination management.
Objective 4.7 – Fund and implement the Climate Change Response Plan to support Council,
community and the local economy to build resilience and preparedness for climate risks
Objective 4.8 – Deliver best practice approaches to plan for and respond to climate change and
natural hazards




Previous Council Consideration
Nil.


Finance
Funding for the recommended projects has been allocated in the draft versions of the 2026/27
budget.
•      The Environment Project Grants Program is funded through the Environment Levy, with a total
       allocation of $35,000 for this funding round.
The total funding recommended for allocation under this round is:
•      Environment Project Grants: $35,000
Projects recommended for funding represent a prioritisation of available funds and have been
selected to maximise environmental and community outcomes within the approved budget. Given
that funding requests significantly exceeded available allocations, not all applications could be
supported.


Risk & Opportunities
                                                                             Residual
                           Risk          Existing                                     Appetite
Risk Description                                            LikelihoodImpact Risk
                           Category      Controls                                     Compliance
                                                                             Rating
                                         Application
Risk that funded                         assessment
applicants are unable to                 criteria; pre-
deliver agreed project     Service       application officer
outcomes due to            Delivery /    engagement;
                                                             Unlikely   MediumMedium Yes
insufficient capability or Financial /   selection of
resources, resulting in Reputation       demonstrated
reduced environmental                    capability; grant
or community benefit                     agreements and
                                         milestones
Risk of misallocation or                 Funding
misuse of grant funding                  agreements;
caused by inadequate Financial /         acquittal
financial controls within Legal /        requirements;    Unlikely      MediumMedium Yes
recipient organisations, Reputation      staged payments;
resulting in financial loss              monitoring and
or reputational impact                   reporting