25/26 R2 - Environment Programs

The Community Grants Program provides financial assistance to eligible community organisations to deliver projects which:

• Respond to community need
• Align with Council’s Corporate Plan 2022- 2027 and other relevant Council strategies and plans
• Enhance the social, environmental and/or cultural wellbeing of the Gympie region.

Administration of Council's grants is in accordance with Council’s Community Grants Policy.

Council may establish grant categories and programs to respond to community need or issues. Please refer to Council’s website for other grant program guidelines including the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) and Halls Insurance Grants Programs.

For information and assistance please contact Council's Community Development Team on 1300 307 800 or grantsadmin@gympie.qld.gov.au

Before completing this application: 

1. Applicants are encouraged to speak with an officer from Council's Environment Team or Community Development Team. Please call 1300 307 800 or email grantsadmin@gympie.qld.gov.au to make an appointment. 

2. Read the Community Grants Program Guidelines 2025/2026

4. Applications will only be accepted by submission through the Smarty Grants portal. 

5. Parts of this application will require supporting documentation. Please ensure that documentation is clear and legible. 

NB: No late or incomplete applications will be accepted.

If you require further assistance with using Smarty Grants portal please click here to access the FAQ's.

Gympie Regional Council collects information in accordance with our Information Privacy Policy, a copy is available from Council's website. 

In providing any personal information, please note that you are agreeing to the possible transfer of your information outside Australia via the internet under s33 of the Information Privacy Act 2009. If for any reason you are unable to agree to these terms, please contact Council on 1300 307 800 to discuss alternate arrangements. 

For full details read the Community Grants Program Guidelines 2025/2026 

Purpose:

To improve environmental outcomes in the Gympie region through the delivery of ongoing environmental programs by community organisations primarily focused on environment activities.   

Timeframe:

Maximum 3-year delivery timeframe, with maximum $30,000 grant per year.

Amount & co-contributions:

Maximum grant amount: $30,000 P/A

Council contribution: Maximum 80% of program cost
Applicant contribution: Minimum 20% of program cost

Priorities:

1. Biodiversity and habitat protection.  
2. Adapting to a changing climate and natural hazard management.  
3. Improving land management practices that influence water quality and waterway health.  
4. Waste reduction and/or environmental educational awareness.
5. Wildlife protection and rehabilitation. 

Required Support Material:

• A Program plan that includes WHS requirements
• A Landowners Consent Form if physical works will be conducted on Council Land, please read the Landowners Consent Information. 
• A Permit for Use of Public Spaces - if works/events are held on Council property.

Please note: Data gathered through environmental surveys, monitoring and research must be shared with Council, as data sets and a report.

On Ground Component

• To assist with the protection and enhancement of the region’s natural assets, Council gives high regard to programs where at least 60 per cent of Council funds allocated are spent on-ground within the region.
• On Ground means field work including revegetation and habitat development, maintenance including weeding and replanting on rehabilitated land sites, field surveys, bio-control field releases and like in field projects that meet the criterion.

Category Specific Eligible Expenses:

• Program Officer/Coordinator costs related to the program.
• Program related operational expenses including fuel for vehicles, consumable foods for wildlife rehabilitation.
• Equipment purchases that are integral to the delivery of the program (e.g. equipment for surveys, monitoring, research) (capped at $12,000 in total of the grant).

*Note: this category cannot be used for the installation of solar panels or related energy efficiency projects (refer to the Community facilities category)

Programs are ineligible if:

• Conducted outside of the Gympie Regional Council area (unless demonstrated to be a joint Council run program benefiting the Gympie region).
• Conducted or undertaken solely on private land where no broader environmental/ community benefit can be demonstrated.