Current coastal and estuary grants round

All applications for the 2024–25 program round will be via the online Grants Management System.

• Download the Grants Management System Online Portal User Manual
• Guidelines for Applicants 2024–25 Coastal and Estuary Grants Program
• Coastal and Estuary Planning Grant – Sample Application Workplan (XLSX 16KB)
• Coast and Estuary Implementation Grant – Sample Application Workplan (XLSX 15KB)

Stream 1: Coast and estuary planning

Applications will initially be checked to confirm eligibility, that correct categories have been selected and for completeness.

Ineligible or incomplete applications will not be assessed.

Where applicable and possible, an application may be moved to a more appropriate program stream for assessment.

Applications will be assessed against the following criteria:

• demonstrated need and importance for the project
• the method proposed to undertake the work is sound
• the project is value for money/reasonable cost (compared to similar projects)
• if cost benefit analysis (CBA) related, does it align with the procedures outlined in the Coastal Management Manual.

Department Specialists conduct these assessments. A numerical scoring system is used in the evaluation of applications against the above criteria, and an overall statement is made on each application.

Applications are approved under delegation by the Director Grants.

Streams 2 to 5: Implementing actions

Applications will initially be checked to confirm eligibility and completeness. Ineligible incomplete or late applications will not be assessed.

Applications are assessed by an independent State Assessment Panel, which includes experts and stakeholder representation, against assessment criteria to prioritise applications on a statewide basis.

The applications will be assessed against the following criteria:

• action is identified in a certified coastal management program (except for exempt activities)
• the project aligns to statewide, and this grant program's priorities and objectives
• the project meets one or more of the management objectives for the relevant coastal management area
• the applicant has the capacity to deliver the project and has available resources, and the proposed timeframe is suitable. Previous grant management history is considered (if an applicant has a poor grant delivery history, additional conditions may be added should the application be successful)
• commitment to maintaining works in a condition suitable to meet its design intent for the design life
• the extent to which the project cost-effectively addresses one or more of the program stream objectives
• technical feasibility and implementation of best practice
• the immediacy of any threats
• the environmental benefit of the project.

A numerical score will be given to each application, based on how it addresses the above criteria

The State Assessment Panel consists of a Chair and stakeholders/independent technical experts. Applications are recommended for funding by the panel and approved under delegation by the Department Secretary.

Note: An application will be awarded a reduced ranking if it is not well thought out, has unclear objectives or outcomes, will only partially achieve program objectives or does not meet funding priorities.

Stream 6: Coastal zone emergency action sub plan actions

Applications will initially be checked to confirm eligibility and completeness.

Applications will only be considered if the works are urgent and cannot wait until the next funding round. Substantial justification as to why the works are urgent must be provided.

A rapid assessment method will be applied for applications lodged following a coastal erosion or coastal inundation emergency. The rapid assessment method will involve convening an Internal Technical Review Panel as a substitute for the external State Assessment Panel.

Applications will be assessed by department technical specialists against the funding objectives and priorities. Applications are approved under delegation by the Coordinator-General, Environment and Heritage.

The council must demonstrate that the action:

• is identified in a coastal zone emergency action sub plan in a certified coastal management program
• will result in an overall reduction in the risk from coastal hazards in the short and/or medium term
• consists of temporary measures to mitigate risk with clear links to long-term management actions
• delivers broad public benefit, allowing appropriate management of public assets.

The success of councils in obtaining funding will be determined by the extent to which the actions deliver broad public benefits to the NSW community or result in beneficial outcomes for public assets. 

Applications will be assessed on their alignment with the certified coastal management program, the extent to which the actions deliver broad public benefits to the NSW community or result in beneficial outcomes for public assets.

Environmental, social, cultural and economic benefits will also be considered.

Find out more about past grant recipients and funded projects.