Deadline: 30-Nov-22
Apply now for the NSW Government’s Joint Organisations Net Zero Acceleration (JONZA) grant program.
The JONZA grant program supports JOs and non-metropolitan Regional Organisations of Councils (ROCs) by providing up to $155,000 for an internal staff member dedicated to progressing net zero greenhouse gas emission outcomes for member councils.
This program aims to support JOs and ROCs in delivering net zero outcomes while building net zero capability within the organisations.
Purposes
- The aim of this program is to build on the capability within JOs to assist councils and regions in developing net zero outcomes and to assist emerging JOs and their member Councils to build internal capability.
- This grant program will:
- provide an opportunity for JOs to establish or progress a net zero pathway plan for their member councils;
- increase the capacity of JOs to identify and implement projects that directly reduce emissions for councils, or progress the region’s net zero trajectory; and
- strengthen collaboration between State and local governments to improve delivery of net zero outcomes in line with community expectations.
Funding Information
- The Grant provides funding up to a maximum of $155,000 (including on-costs) to NSW JOs to employ a dedicated, in-house staff member for up to 12-months who will drive net zero outcomes for the region. Where a JO chooses to engage a staff member who is already employed by the JO, the JO must demonstrate an overall additionality of outcomes through this grant funding.
What the funding can be used for?
- The additional internal employee funded through this program must be suitably qualified to deliver outcomes for the region towards net zero goals.
- The activities undertaken by this resource will vary between each JO and will be dependent on the current progress and needs of the JO and member councils. The net zero resource can be used to develop project plans, which will include communications plans and risk assessments.
- Some example activities include (but not limited to):
- Developing or progressing a regional energy plan;
- Developing or implementing emissions reduction plans, or net zero plans, both for individual councils and the region;
- Developing business cases and implementing energy efficiency projects;
- Developing business cases and implementing renewable energy projects;
- Developing or implementing a regional Electric Vehicle (EV) plan;
- Establishing Revolving Energy Funds (REFs) for local councils;
- Establishing a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) or Renewable Energy Supply Agreement (RESA) for renewable energy purchase for some or all member councils;
- Establishing processes for carbon offsetting;
- Data gathering and management relevant to progressing net zero outcomes;
- Research and analysis on emissions reductions activities;
- Organising meetings, seminars, training and events relevant to net zero outcomes; and
- Supporting member councils to apply for grants for related programs to progress the actions in the plans.
What the funding cannot be used for?
- The resource engaged with this funding may not be used for activities that are considered “business as usual”, such as everyday JO or council operations and reporting.
- The work undertaken under this program is for climate change mitigation activities and does not include climate change risk assessment or adaptation projects.
- The grant funding cannot be used for capital expenditure or ongoing operational costs (outside of 12% component attributed to ancillary costs, as outlined in Available Funding). Funding cannot be used towards consultancy costs.
Eligibility Criteria
- The Grant is open to eligible NSW JOs and non-metropolitan ROCs. A representative council may apply foe grant funding on behalf of a JO or ROC.
- To be eligible, the JO or ROC must:
- Currently employ an Executive Officer or equivalent that leads the organisation;
- Have processes in place to deliver projects (e.g. procurement, contract management); and
- Be financially stable to host an in-house resource for 12 months to deliver outcomes.
For more information, visit https://www.lgnsw.org.au/Public/Public/News/News22/11/1107-Accelerate-net-zero-actions.aspx