Open Space and Places for People Grant Guidelines

Application closing date 5.00pm, 20 October 2017

Planning and Development Fund The Planning and Development Fund (the Fund) operates under the Development Act 1993 and provides the means for open space and public realm investment 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 and administered by the Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure.

Since July 2002, $230 million has been provided to approximately 900 open space and public realm projects across South Australia.

The Fund allows the Government to adopt a State-wide approach to strategically implement open space and public realm projects in an objective manner. The Fund also provides grant funding opportunities for local government by financing two grant programs:

Open Space – to assist in the conservation and enhancement of natural and cultural regional open spaces to help communities better utilise existing green spaces.

Places for People – to create or revitalise public spaces that are important to the social, cultural and economic life of their communities.

The aims of the grant programs are achieved by supporting projects which:

Improve access to a diverse range of quality public open space and places;

Create vibrant, flexible public spaces;

Demonstrate a commitment to improved outcomes for the economic, social and environmental sustainability of communities; and

Improve the connection between public and private areas.

Strategic goals and funding priorities Grant applications are assessed against the grant funding criteria, which gives priority to projects that support Planning Strategy objectives and other relevant open space and public realm strategies. Expenditure of the Fund closely aligns with the Government’s priorities, including implementation of volumes of the Planning Strategy for South Australia and Priorities of South Australia’s Strategic Plan.

Greater Adelaide Region In the Greater Adelaide Region, priority will be given to projects which link directly to the targets and priorities of the 30-Year Plan for Greater Adelaide. In particular, the walkable neighbourhoods and green liveable city targets.

Projects should support the new urban form and demonstrate the provision of quality open space outcomes in high density, urban renewal areas to help Greater Adelaide become a more liveable and sustainable place. Relevant policies and key actions include:

P48. Create greenways in transit corridors, along major watercourse linear parks, the coast and other strategic locations to provide walking and cycling linkages.

P50. Provide diverse areas of quality open space in neighbourhoods (especially in higher density areas) such as local parks, community gardens, playgrounds, greenways and sporting facilities to encourage active lifestyles and support access to nature within our urban environment.

P54. Prioritise Planning and Development Fund grants for improved access to quality public realm (such as playgrounds, linear path and new open space purchases) at strategic locations.

P100. Ensure that the Planning and Development Fund is strategically aligned to public realm and open space projects which support the implementation of Greater Adelaide’s new urban form.

P101. Protect and improve the amenity, accessibility and useability of the Adelaide Park Lands to ensure they function as a highly valued open space green belt for the city and as a focal point for community activity.

P104. Investigate opportunities to increase the amount and/or quality of public open space provision in areas of low open space provision and areas of increasing population growth.

A56. Complete the implementation of Coast Park between Grange and Semaphore Park, as a priority focus of the Planning and Development Fund.

A57. Partner with local government through the Open Space grant program to plan and prioritise a series of projects that demonstrate opportunities to provide quality open space outcomes in high density urban renewal areas.

Regional South Australia Priority will be given to projects which link directly with the targets and priorities of the Regional Planning Strategies for South Australia. Priorities include:

Integrate and protect landscapes, green spaces and biodiversity assets.

Encourage active lifestyles by providing:

a range of quality open space and recreation facilities in towns;

walking and cycling facilities, giving consideration to the different needs of people in the community; and

a range of unstructured recreational facilities and activities for young people.

Maximise and increase the quality of public spaces and demand excellence in the design of the public realm.

Support strong linkages between all parts of the town, particularly between residential areas, town centres, sporting and recreational facilities and open space.

Local Government strategies Priority will be given to projects that align with local planning strategies, such as:

Urban design frameworks

Open space strategies

Public realm strategies

Master plans etc.

Or projects that are occurring in close proximity to residential development or in new growth areas. Please also consider if the project will be located near an area of recent and/or planned development plan policy changes that will support the proposal. You will not be required to list policy from councils Development Plan.

Projects and eligibility requirements Through the grant programs funding is provided under the following categories:

Development;

Planning and urban design; and

Land purchase (Open Space only)

Applications seeking funding both design and construction projects will be accepted.

Open Space projects Open Space projects should assist in the preservation, enhancement and enjoyment of environmentally or culturally significant areas and promote unstructured recreation opportunities compatible with the surrounding environment. Projects generally supported through the Open Space grant program include:

Development for the enhancement of open space, including:

Linear parks;

Regional parks;

Coastal reserves;

Play spaces; and

Trails and strategic open space linkages.

Planning and urban design across a council area or region, including:

Open space and public realm strategies; and

Master plans, concept plans and detailed designs.

Strategic land purchases to acquire land for public open space.

Places for People projects Places for People projects should increase the useability and function of the public realm through innovative and creative design outcomes. In addition, they should enhance place activation and improve connectivity of prominent public spaces to support the wellbeing of our communities. Projects generally supported through the Places for People grant program include:

Development for the revitalisation of nodes in key public spaces, including:

Foreshore, riverfront; and

Civic plazas, town squares and main street precincts.

Planning and urban design for places of strategic importance or the enhancement of key public realm

precincts, including:

Urban design frameworks and master plans; and

Concept plans, detailed design and contract documentation.

Eligibility For a project to be eligible for Open Space or Places for People grant funding it must directly link to the directions and priorities of the relevant volume of the Planning Strategy for South Australia. In addition:

Applications can only be made by Local Government or from organisations representing outback communities outside of the Local Government area.

Preference will be given to projects that have at least a 50% funding contribution from council. Council’s contribution can include contributions from community groups.

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

Projects must be able to be completed within 18 months of grant funding approval.

Projects should be able to commence within two months of grant funding approval.

Councils should have successfully completed all contractual obligations for previously funded projects.

Open Space projects must be of regional significance or contribute to the use and enjoyment of local reserves and play spaces (quality public open space).

Places for People projects should demonstrate a sequential process of previous strategic design foundations.

Councils are encouraged to jointly apply for grant funding to achieve regional priorities and councils strategic objectives.

Funding is only available for new works, retrospective funding is not available for projects, studies or land purchases undertaken prior to grant funding approval.

Ineligible projects The following types of projects are ineligible, please do not include these in your application:

Commercial operations and buildings.

Road works including routine upgrading of footpaths, kerbs and car parks.

Council administration and project management costs associated with delivery of the project.

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

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

Organised sporting facilities.

Projects which are considered to be part of council’s usual ongoing maintenance and management of a site (including ongoing reserve management and maintenance).

Funding

Grant funding availability Funding available for a particular project is dependent on:

The project’s ability to fully satisfy the assessment criteria; and

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

Please note, while an application may meet the assessment criteria, a grant is not guaranteed and successful applicants may not receive funding to the full amount requested.

External funding and joint partnerships Applicants should investigate and embrace other external funding opportunities and seek partner organisations with objectives matching those of the project.

Projects should not be solely reliant on Open Space or Places for People grant funding.

Preference will be given to projects that have at least a 50% council contribution. Council contribution can include contributions from community groups.

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

Project budget breakdown A breakdown of expenditure items contributing towards the project cost must be provided in the application form (an example is provided on the following page).

A high level breakdown of the costs associated with the project will be sufficient. Please note:

These figures should not include GST.

Funding is not provided towards council administration costs and project management costs, please do not allocate grant funding towards these costs.

In-kind funding can be provided. Please provide a monetary amount for in-kind work and indicate these amounts in the project budget breakdown.

Project cost over-runs are the financial responsibility of the council

Project Budget Breakdown – example

Objectives and assessment criteria

Core objectives and assessment criteria The Open Space and Places for People grant programs seek to achieve a series of core objectives. Projects will be assessed and prioritised on how closely they align with the following criteria:

Objective A: Support the social, cultural and economic wellbeing of the community

Consider the urban context – a project should respond to community issues.

Contribute to a ‘sense of place’ and character – consider how the project respects and enhances the existing landscape character.

Demonstrate how the community life, social interaction and vitality of an area will be enhanced – a project should focus on place making and building stronger communities.

Objective B: Improve neighbourhood connectivity

Provide safe connections between communities and land uses which support and encourage wider community use of the public realm and surrounds (i.e. improving connections to destinations through the use of interpretive/way finding signage).

Consider convenience of the location, accessibility and movement (to and/or around the project) to allow for a diversity of uses and users.

Take into account the needs of mobility impaired users, the elderly and children (provide disability access where possible).

Objective C: Maximise opportunities for project sustainability

Demonstrate a commitment to ongoing maintenance and whole-of-life costing of the project (in particular capital works projects).

Integrate Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) and Ecologically Sustainable Development (ESD) principles into the design, planning or development of the project.

Objective D: Improve the safety of open space and the public realm

Improve safety of open space or the public realm to increase useability and function for a wide cross section of the community.

Projects should consider day and night use options and take into account vandalism issues.

Integrate the principles of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) into the design, planning or development of the project.

Objective E: Community support and consultation

Empower communities to work in partnership with their fellow community members to create civic pride and social responsibility in a project.

Demonstrate a strong level of community support, this can be through evidence of support from local businesses, community groups or community consultation and participation.

Please note each grant program has different objectives and criteria to which applications will be assessed.

Open Space objectives and assessment criteria Applications for an Open Space grant will be assessed and prioritised on how well the application meets the objectives and criteria. Projects should demonstrate how they align to the following objectives:

Objective A: Promote conservation

Assist in the preservation, enhancement, biodiversity and enjoyment of features of natural beauty, conservation significance or cultural value.

Consider (where possible) the use of local native vegetation in landscaping to contribute to the improvement of urban biodiversity.

Incorporates elements of education and interpretation that the community can relate to (i.e. provides information of local history, native flora and fauna etc.).

Objective B: Promote unstructured recreation

Unstructured recreation should be compatible with the surrounding environment and promote health and wellbeing.

Provide pleasant, functional and accessible open spaces that deliver a range of physical environments for a diversity of uses and users to enable more effective use of regionally significant open space.

Consider the role of the project and its connection to the broader open space network (i.e. to other paths, trails, walkable streetscapes etc.).

Places for People objectives and assessment criteria Applications for a Places for People grant will be assessed and prioritised on how well the application meets the objectives and criteria. Projects should demonstrate how they align to the following objectives:

Objective A: Increase the useability and function of the public realm

Design spaces specific to the location and community to bring public spaces to life (i.e. promote vibrancy).

Delivers sustainable revitalisation of shared spaces and the public realm to maximise and increase the quality of public spaces.

Creates flexible spaces which are adaptable and multifunctional, that allows for different uses to attract investment and stimulate the local economy.

Objective B: Innovative and creative design processes and outcomes

Create unique and beautifully designed public spaces by requiring excellent design in the public realm through the use of materials and designs that reinforce the meaning of a place.

Include ‘artistic’ creativity in the form of public art and the design of street furniture – explanation of meaning of a place through public art, landscape themes etc.

Use a collaborative approach to planning and design – embrace all professionals in the design process.

 

Application process Step 1

Use this guide to determine if the proposed project is eligible for Open Space or Places for People grant funding. Please ensure council has adequately prioritised its open space and public realm projects.

Step 2

Discuss any proposed project with a grant funding coordinator. This can be done via phone and is encouraged to ensure that all applications are consistent with the objectives of the Open Space and Places for People grant programs.

Where appropriate a grant funding coordinator will arrange a site visit to view the site and discuss the proposal in further detail.

Step 3

Once the scope, detail and eligibility of your proposal has been determined, complete the available application form. One of the funding coordinators can assist you with your application.

Ensure all relevant sections are completed with all required supporting material and documentation included.

Step 4

Applications for eligible projects will be accepted by the Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure at any time prior to the application closing date. Applications and supporting documents must be received prior to the closing date/time.

Step 5

Applications will be assessed by the Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure. All councils will be advised in writing of the outcome of their application.

Application form Please use the digital format application form available to download from the Government of South Australia website at www.sa.gov.au/planning/publicspacegrants

Please note the format is different than forms used in previous years.

Assessment process The Open Space and Places for People grant programs are highly competitive; applicants must not assume they will be successful. All applications will be assessed according to the assessment criteria and will be presented to the Minister for Planning for the final funding decision.

Assessment will take into consideration previous grant performance and the status of any current projects.

Assessment of the project may involve an inspection of the project site with the council project manager and the grant coordinators. Decisions will be made primarily on the basis of information supplied in the application.

Grant conditions and responsibilities Successful applicants will be required to enter into a formal funding agreement, by signing and returning a Deed of Conditions of Grant (funding agreement). Any variance of project scope, budget and grant requirement is at the discretion of the Minister. Where a council project manager changes or a project cannot meet the agreed timeframe for completion, a funding coordinator from the Department must be contacted.

A sample copy of the Deed of Conditions of Grant can be obtained from the Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure on request.

Reporting and monitoring Grants are provided for an 18-month term and reporting on project progress and achievement of milestones will be required, on an ongoing basis until the project is completed.

A Final Report (Annexure C in Deed), is required no later than 30 business days following the completion of a project. The report must be accompanied by suitable evidence of project completion, such as evidence of appropriate financial spend, photographs of completed project, concept plan, a project launch, documentation etc.

Department contact details To discuss your proposal, or for further information, please contact a grant funding coordinator at the Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure:

Mei-Lin Schwarz Tel: 7109 7179

Matt Lang Tel: 7109 7090

Email: DPTI.PublicSpaceGrants@sa.gov.au

Address for submission The application form can be filled in digitally and submitted via email along with relevant supporting documents to:

Email: DPTI.PublicSpaceGrants@sa.gov.au

For applications too large to email please submit via file sharing or in electronic format on CD or USB to the address below. Please do not send hard copies of applications or supporting documentation.

To be eligible for grant funding assessment, all documentation must be received by the Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure prior to the application closing date.

Att: Mei-Lin Schwarz Open Space / Places for People Grant Application Planning and Development Directorate Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure GPO Box 1815 ADELAIDE SA 5001