The Port Kembla Community Investment Fund Round 5 FAQs

Applicants must:

• be the confirmed land or asset owner or have the owner’s written consent
• have demonstrated ability for project management and delivery
• have adequate financial capacity to manage the cash flow requirements of the project
• have an ABN and be located in NSW
• be an Incorporated Association, Cooperative, Local Aboriginal Land Council, Local Government authority, NSW State Government agency or a registered business
• have or be willing to purchase public liability insurance of at least $20 million in place.

Individuals are not eligible to apply.

There are three categories of eligible project types:

• Community Infrastructure - construction of new or upgrades to existing community infrastructure that is used primarily for the public benefit
• Business Infrastructure - major capital expenditure on new equipment, facilities, utilities, road and rail access infrastructure.
• Environmental Infrastructure - activities that help decarbonise local industry with a focus on heavy transport mobility.

Projects must comply with the following criteria to be considered for funding:

• deliver economic, public infrastructure or environmental outcomes in Port Kembla
• not displace or compete with existing local businesses or activities
• be located within the suburb of Port Kembla as defined by the 2505 postcode boundary or can demonstrate that the proposed project outcomes demonstrate clear and significant benefits to the Port Kembla community 
• seek funding of at least $10,000 up to a maximum of $500,000 (GST exclusive)
• comply with State and Local planning rules and regulations including zoning, permissible business uses, safety standards and environmental regulations
• have an approved Development Application if applicable
• be fully completed within two years and commence within 12 months of a funding deed being executed.
   

Round 5 opened on 1 July 2022. Applications closed on 14 September 2022.

Funding can only be used for external third-party costs directly associated with delivering project activities. These cost estimates should be supported by at least one competitive quote. 

Eligible project costs include:

• feasibility and technical design consultancies that are required for capital works
• capital expenditure, construction, upgrade and repair works
• remediation, pollution control and clean up works
• project administration and contingency costs up to a combined total maximum of 20 percent of the total project cost.

Funding cannot be used for:

• expenditure incurred prior to the announcement of successful Round 5 projects
• activities already funded or budgeted through Wollongong City Council or another NSW Government agency
• costs already funded through another grant program including a previous Port Kembla Community Investment Fund round
• administrative overhead items, including office equipment
• Development Application fees
• cost overruns in excess of the agreed cost allocations
• ongoing management and maintenance expenses
• organisational operating costs such as wages that are unrelated to the project
• activities outside the scope of the fund program such as community services and events
• business planning studies.

Applications must be submitted via the SmartyGrants portal by 5pm on 14 September 2022. 

The minimum grant size is $10,000 (GST exclusive) and maximum is $500,000 (GST exclusive). 

No. The Guidelines are clear that activities already funded or budgeted through Wollongong City Council or another NSW State Government agency are not eligible. Projects already funded through Council’s forward capital works program is publicly available. PKCIF funding may be used to enhance the scope of an existing project.

No. Projects must be located within the Port Kembla suburb as defined by the 2505 postcode boundary to be eligible. 

The Department of Regional NSW determines the membership of the Evaluation Panel. Membership of the Panel reflects key organisations such as the NSW Government, Illawarra Business Chamber, University of Wollongong and Regional Development Australia Illawarra. 

Membership of the Evaluation Panel reflects organisations not individuals. These organisations nominate a senior person to represent them on the Evaluation Panel. A community member may have potential conflicts of interest with the projects and organisations seeking funding. They may also be lobbied by members of the community to support individual projects over others putting them in a difficult position.

The fund is a competitive, merit-based program. Potential applicants must register their interest in the fund by sending an e-mail to regionalnsw.business@regional.nsw.gov.au.

The Department of Regional NSW will then contact you to discuss eligibility of both your organisation and proposed project. This initial assessment stage is mandatory. 

There is no requirement for a co-funding contribution for community and not-for-profit organisations projects. Although not mandatory, co-funding demonstrates commitment to a project by either the applicant organisation and/or partner organisation. The level of co-funding can be seen as a proxy for commitment for a project. 

For registered businesses, NSW Government agencies and Wollongong City Council a minimum 50 per cent co-contribution is required.

There are now three separate project streams:

Stream 1: Community Infrastructure - construction of new or upgrades to existing community infrastructure that is used primarily for public benefit
Stream 2: Business Infrastructure - major capital expenditure on new equipment, facilities, utilities, road and rail access infrastructure
Stream 3: Environmental Infrastructure - activities that help decarbonise local industry with a focus on heavy transport mobility.

There is a total of $5 million available for Round 5, including:

• up to $2 million for community infrastructure projects
• up to $2 million for business infrastructure projects
• up to $1 million for environmental infrastructure projects to help decarbonise industry with a focus on heavy transport mobility.
   

Projects must commence within 12 months of the funding deed being signed and be completed within two years of the announcement of the project.

Community groups are not for profit organisations (usually volunteer based) whose work supports families and or communities in the area.