The South Burnett Regional Council (SBRC) had previously sought funding twice through the Building Better Regions Fund (BBRF) for a significant economic development focused project in Kingaroy. Council was unfortunately unsuccessful with these submissions, and as they were conscious of the cost of resources utilised in previous applications, GenEng Solutions were approached for assistance in the development of their funding application in Round 3. This assistance involved:
- The development of the scope of the application which included engagement with key stakeholders,
- The development of formal application documentation,
- Input into an appropriate, identifiable name for the project,
- Development of published support information,
- Correspondence with Federal and State Members in line with parliamentary guidelines.
Approach
As part of the preparation of responses, we contacted other Councils we had identified as being successful in previous funding rounds, to view their winning submissions in order to guide a successful submission on behalf of SBRC.
We developed a political engagement plan and helped with the initiation of Council’s key stakeholder engagement plan. We also engaged subconsultants (whom we coordinated on behalf of Council) to develop promotional material to inform the Kingaroy community and key stakeholders about the project.
Funding applications for projects over $1M require a Cost Benefit Analysis in support of the application, for which GenEng was responsible for coordinating with an Economist. Further liaison with Council and collation of information was required to ensure all the criteria such as planning, design and stakeholder engagement were met in support of the submission.
Challenges
GenEng was engaged after Council’s two previous unsuccessful attempts to gain the funding source in a highly competitive program. GenEng assisted Council in redeveloping its application based on program feedback. We focused on developing a strong application in areas of the project’s benefits with a particular focus on the true human, social and economic challenges faced in regional Councils as opposed to high end projects targeting short term job creation.
From previous experience in preparing successful funding applications, as well as hands-on experience delivering similar programs, we understood the funding process and the importance of having quality information to support the submission, including demonstration of shovel ready status of the project. GenEng coordinated and sourced this information from various key stakeholders and specialist consultants. The promotional brochure and supporting video prepared complemented the written application and appropriately drafted correspondence to key Federal Ministers and local Members of Parliament further supported the application.
Outcomes
Our strong relationships and key industry contacts allowed us to coordinate the submission on behalf of Council producing a polished application. This was ultimately successful with $4.5M being allocated for the Kingaroy Transformation project from the Building Better Regions Fund. This provided a stimulus for Council and TMR funding into the project with a project budget in excess of $15M.