Level the Playing Field Frequently Asked Questions

Applying for the Level the Playing Field Program must be done using the SmartyGrants website. You can download a copy of the application form from SmartyGrants prior to commencing your application.

Before you apply, please read the Program Guidelines and related materials including the necessary supporting information and documents you will need and the application checklist to make sure you understand all relevant requirements. 

It is good practice to complete the application in SmartyGrants well prior to the closing time. You are responsible for ensuring you have adequate technical capability, including sufficient bandwidth, to complete the application in SmartyGrants.

Applications must be lodged by 1pm on Thursday 30 November 2023, via the Office of Sport’s SmartyGrants website.

Late applications can only be made where an applicant has started an application in SmartyGrants prior to the closing date/time.

If for some unforeseen reason you are not able to lodge your application on time, you must contact the Office of Sport at the earliest possible time.

A late application will only be considered where its acceptance would not compromise the integrity and competitiveness of the process. The final determination on whether a late application will be accepted will be made by the Grant Assessment Panel supported by a probity advisor.

Project construction works should commence by 30 September 2024 and project construction must be completed by 30 September 2026.

No. The statutory functions of Parents and Citizens Associations are aimed at assisting the school with which they are associated and promoting the welfare of the students at that school.

No. The focus of the Program is on facility projects that provide benefits to the community, not solely school students. Whilst educational organisations such as schools, TAFEs and universities are not eligible applicants, we encourage partnerships with these organisations and other partners such as sport organisations to provide the community with access to sporting facilities. A project between an eligible applicant e.g., council and a public school using the Joint Use Facility Agreement developed by School Infrastructure NSW would be an eligible project. The eligible applicant e.g., council or the sporting club would need to be the applicant under the Program.

The sporting organisation recognised by the Office of Sport and the Australian Sports Commission respectively as the pre-eminent body for the development of their sport in NSW and Australia.

A single lead applicant is required to submit the application and if successful will become the grant recipient responsible for entering into a funding agreement with the Office of Sport. The Program encourages applications based on partnerships e.g., sport(s) and a Council. If an eligible sporting entity applies, it can arrange for Council to manage the project delivery on their behalf. The application will need to outline the partnership model and the proposed delivery strategy including any agreements to be put in place.

All successful applicants must enter into a funding agreement with the Office of Sport. Funding Agreements should be executed within 3 months of notification of a successful application. Grant payments will not be made until an executed funding agreement is in place and the Office of Sport will not be responsible for any project expenditure until this time.

If any document is not available prior to the closing date/time and you would like to submit this for consideration you must contact infrastructuregrants@sport.nsw.gov.au     

Any decision in relation to the acceptance of late supporting documentation will be at the absolute discretion of the Office of Sport.

Late supporting documentation will only be accepted for applications already submitted in SmartyGrants before the closing date and time and will only be considered where its acceptance would not compromise the integrity and competitiveness of the process.

The final determination on whether a late supporting documentation will be accepted will be made by the Grant Assessment Panel supported by a probity advisor.

Applicants can submit up to two (2) applications in total. The applicant can advise of their project priority ranking in the application form. All projects will then be assessed against the assessment criteria outlined in the Program Guidelines.

Scan any hard copy letters or quotes and save them as a PDF. These can then be uploaded in the relevant sections of your application form in SmartyGrants.

The Office of Sport staff are available to provide advice and clarifications to applicants on interpreting the Program Guidelines. However, staff are not able to provide advice that may be perceived as providing an unfair advantage to one applicant over another.

No. The Office Sport personnel cannot review or provide feedback on any grant applications. Frequently Asked Questions and answers are available on the grant program webpage and updated as required.

Sport is defined as physical activity that can be undertaken by a team or an individual in a social or competitive environment in pursuit of a result. It can be organised or less formal with a greater focus on social outcomes.

Active recreation is defined as physical activity for the purposes of relaxation, health and wellbeing or enjoyment which can be self-directed or facilitated by a provider or organisation.

Please send your updated details to infrastructuregrants@sport.nsw.gov.au and identify the grant program and your application or grant number and we will make the amendments for you.

The NSW Government wants to create more opportunities for people to participate in sport and recreation and increase participation rates for all people in NSW. We understand women and girls across NSW do not have equal access to community sport and recreation and unfortunately, it is still common for men and boys to be given the best and most popular training times as well as being allocated to the best and newest facilities.

Sport is an integral and valued part of our lives in NSW and everyone has the right to fully participate and reach their full potential. Fair, inclusive and safe places to connect, casually participate, train and compete in sport and recreation is important. Provision of access to well-designed sport and recreation facilities that offer programs and services that address the needs of women and girls will maximise participation opportunities and support social inclusion. 

Through the Level the Playing Field Program the NSW Government wants to ensure public funding is allocated to sport and recreation facilities that are welcoming, equitable, safe and inclusive for all.

Requiring organisations who apply for the grant to have an approved Equitable Access and Usage Policy will support measurable outcomes to increase facility access for everyone, schedule sport activities at the best times and to develop and deliver fit-for-purpose, inclusive and universally designed sport facilities.

The Action Plan should be aligned to the Equitable Access and Use Policy and Principles and address the aims of the Level the Playing Field Program. The Action Plan should identify key actions and initiatives for improvement that address the local needs of the community.

The Action Plan should demonstrate how councils and sporting organisations/clubs will effectively drive gender equitable access and use of community sports infrastructure by providing measurable actions and initiatives that can be monitored to address barriers and improve sport participation outcomes for women and girls.

The Action Plan should include what initiatives/actions will be undertaken, by who and by when, what resources will be needed and who needs to be consulted and involved and how success will be measured.

A template Equitable Access and Use Policy and template Action Plan are available on the Program’s website along with examples.

The Office of Sport will provide online Community of Practice that will support applicants in the development of their policies and plans. Further information on the Community of Practice will be available on the Program’s website including how to register.

An Equitable Access and Usage Policy provides a process for council to work with stakeholders, facility managers and facility user groups to give women and girls better and fairer access to community sports infrastructure and sport participation opportunities.

It provides an opportunity to align with council’s community plans, sport and recreation plan, sporting ground allocation policies and sport participation plans.

An approved Policy is required by 30 June 2024 to receive funding under the Level the Playing Field Program. The approved Policy should relate to the facilities within the Council remit not just the facility within the application.

An Equitable Access and Usage Policy provides a process for sporting organisations to work with facility owners and managers, club members, spectators, officials, administrators and supporters to give women and girls better and fairer access to community sports infrastructure and sport participation opportunities.

It provides an opportunity to align with sports participation plans and ensure all genders have the opportunity to fully participate and be encouraged, welcomed, supported and rewarded.

An approved Policy is required by 30 June 2024 to remain eligible for funding under the Level the Playing Field Program. The approved Policy should relate to the facilities utlised by the club not just the facility within the application.

A Participation plan demonstrates your commitment and identifies programs and initiatives that your council, club or organisation have in place to increase participation of women and girls.  It will illustrate if there are any current initiatives and goals that your organisation is working towards.

This will allow the Office of Sport to see what you have done in the past, what goals, programs and initiatives you have undertaken and demonstrates your genuine commitment to improving participation of women and girls. It provides the opportunity to build on these for your current and future participation plans. If you do have not implemented any initiatives in the past, you can demonstrate what you are doing currently and in the future.

You can provide your broader plan / strategy document and highlight how this aligns to the current initiatives and goals that your organisation is working towards.  In this case, you should list the goals and initiatives you are implementing that aim to increase participation for women and girls and illustrate how they relate to the plan/strategy provided. 

You can provide the SSO Participation Plan and highlight how this aligns to the goals and initiatives of your club / organisation.  In this case, you should list the goals and initiatives you are implementing that aim to increase participation for women and girls and illustrate how they relate to the SSO Participation Plan policy and/or strategy document.

No. Only applications from government agencies (eg: Councils) are required to provide a minimum 50% financial co-contribution of the grant amount requested. If an applicant’s grant amount requested is $200,000, they should demonstrate at least a $100,000 financial co-contribution, therefore the total project cost including any contingency or escalation costs will be $300,000.

No. However, to receive grant payments successful applicants will require an ABN or provide a Statement of Supplier form.  If your application is successful, further information will be provided to you.

• Organisations registered for GST: exclude GST from the amount of funding requested in your project budget. GST will be paid to your organisation if successful.

• Organisations not registered for GST: include GST in the costs for your project budget. Please ensure that quotes you receive are inclusive of GST that will be charged by trades or suppliers.

You can determine if your organisation is registered for GST by looking at your ABN details.  If you do not have an ABN, you are not registered for GST.

Your club/association treasurer should have a certificate of incorporation, or you can search for your incorporated status with:

NSW Incorporated Associations Register

ASIC Register

Indigenous Corporations

No. All funding received must be related to the direct capital cost of the project.  Administration costs with the exception of direct external / independent project management costs, limited to 10% of the grant amount requested. A list of what will not be funded (ineligible costs) can be found in the Program Guidelines. If ineligible project scope and components are included in the application and seek grant funding, the Grant Assessment Panel will adjust the requested grant amount accordingly.

The grant amount requested by an applicant must be a minimum of $200,000 and cannot exceed $2,000,000 per application.

It is based on the grant amount requested.

All applications from government agencies (eg: Councils) are required to provide a minimum 50% financial co-contribution of the grant amount requested (e.g., if an applicant’s grant amount requested is $200,000, they should demonstrate at least a $100,000 financial co-contribution, therefore the total project cost including any contingency or escalation costs will be $300,000).

Applicants that are required to and cannot meet the funding co-contribution expectation may apply for financial hardship. A financial hardship application provides applicants the opportunity to outline why they should be exempt from the requirement to provide a minimum 50% financial co-contribution of the grant amount requested. Financial hardship applications are to be made as part of the application process.

Yes. Applicants are to provide suitable evidence confirming funding contributions from any government agencies (eg: Councils) project partners.

Yes. However, if the financial co-contribution is from another Office of Sport or NSW government agency grant then the scope applied for under this Program must be entirely different to the scope covered under the other Office of Sport or NSW government grant. The Office of Sport during the assessment process may seek information from other State Government agencies and other organisations to avoid duplication of funding for the project.

No. The co-contribution must be a financial contribution.

Discounts are not permitted as in-kind support or considered a financial co-contribution.

No

Yes. However, the grant must be for a different component of the project.

No. These fields will only display in the application form if the applicant indicates they have a federal/state contribution.

Yes. The expectation is that the financial co-contribution will be primarily for eligible costs, however it may include items such as non-sport infrastructure construction works that are related to the project, for example:, sport facility car parking, pathways and core service infrastructure. This will be at the absolute discretion of the Office of Sport.

Applicants are to provide evidence of approval for committed funding co-contribution(s) e.g., minutes of club meeting where a decision is made for funds to be allocated to the project and a bank statement to evidence that the funds are available or a letter or funding agreement relating to a separate grant for the project from the grant provider.

Applicants that cannot meet the required financial co-contribution expectation may apply for financial hardship if they can demonstrate they meet certain conditions. A financial hardship application provides applicants the opportunity to outline why they should be exempt from the requirement to provide a financial co-contribution. Financial hardship applications are to be made through the application process in SmartyGrants – there will be a section for you to elect to apply for financial hardship if you believe you meet the criteria.

Financial hardship may be granted where a project is located in a disadvantaged area of NSW and/or is recovering from a significant natural disaster or other exceptional circumstances. The Socio-Economic Index for Areas (SEIFA), published by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), will assist in measuring disadvantage.

Financial hardship will not be granted where you have significant assets or have not elected to prioritise the project within available resources.

A financial hardship application cannot be used by the applicant to request an additional project funding contribution from the NSW Government, that is if your grant amount is $500,000 and a financial co-contribution of 50% of the grant amount requested is required it means your total project cost would be $750,000. A financial hardship will exempt you from providing the $250,000 reducing the total project cost of $500,000. If you have a total project cost of $750,00 you will still have a funding gap as the hardship does not mean that the grant amount provided by the Program will be increased to $750,000. An application for financial hardship must clearly demonstrate that a project can still be delivered in the absence of the applicant’s funding co-contribution.

Eligible applications will be assessed against the Program’s objectives and assessment criteria which are listed below:

• Strategic justification (40%)
• Project scope and inclusive design (15%)
• Project value for money and project affordability (20%)
• Project deliverability and applicant capability (15%)
• Population Growth (10%)

Assessment criteria is detailed further in the Program Guidelines

Projects that increase opportunities for the targeted population groups listed in the program objectives to participate in sport and recreation (in addition to women and girls) will be prioritised during the merit assessment process. To demonstrate your project specifically caters to these groups identify how these groups were specifically considered in relevant areas of the merit criteria and include any evidence of this. This may include demonstrating any of the following:

• the demographic of your area includes these groups
• there is a demand from these groups to use the facility to a greater extent
• you have an existing relationship with these groups directly or via a partner organisation
• you have undertaken consultation to demonstrate you understand the barriers to participation for this group of people 
• you have addressed the barriers to participation in the facility design and/or programs or initiatives you offer at the facility; and
• undertaking the activities above is likely to result in increased utilisation of the groups of the facility.

The Office of Sport does not take appeals for unsuccessful applications under this program. Feedback on your application and why it was unsuccessful will be provided in the notification letter.

No. Successful, unsuccessful and ineligible applicants will be notified at the same time. Outcomes of applications under the Program are expected to be advised from Mid-March 2024 onwards.

One of the primary objectives of the Program is to promote positive sport and active recreation experiences for women and girls through the provision of welcoming and supportive community spaces and environments.

There is an expectation that facilities have been co-designed with women and girls and are universally accessible, fit-for-purpose, safe, and welcoming environments. Projects that lead to additional participation and can demonstrate appropriate or increased program content/scheduling for women and girls and improved inclusiveness will be considered more favourably during the merit assessment process. For further information refer Program Guidelines

No. Projects that provide letters of support from the relevant National/State Sporting Organisation will be considered favourably. As part of the merit assessment for strategic alignment the Grant Assessment Panel will consider demonstrated project need, support and alignment from National/State and local sporting organisations. Where a project provides for several sports, a letter from each State/National/Local Sporting Organisation can be provided.

However, to demonstrate project need support letters can also be provided by MPs, councils, schools and community groups where available.

A sample template for statement/letter of support is available on the website. A National Sporting Organisation (NSO)/State Sporting Organisation (SSO) statement of support demonstrates project need, support and alignment. However, community club(s) and association(s) letters of support can also be provided. Refer to SSO Statement of Support Form Template.

Yes. All applicants should provide a signed letter of consent from any landowners for the project on the land on which the facility is to be developed. This must be on the Office of Sport template Landowner Consent Form available on the Program’s web page.

Where a letter providing landowner consent has not been provided, the Office of Sport reserves the right to recommend to the Grant Assessment Panel to set the application aside from further consideration at its absolute discretion.

In relation to a Development Application (DA) for your projects the following applies:

Development Application must be approved or evidence that a Development Application is not required must be provided, as it is expected these projects should commence by 30 September 2024 and must be completed by 30 September 2026 as identified in the Program Guidelines.

Having DA approval (where required) assists to demonstrate the project is ready to be delivered. Development Applications should be well progressed if not already approved. The Office of Sport recognises that many projects will be in the planning phase and reliant on confirmation of project funding before submitting a Development Application. However, projects should have undergone at least preliminary community consultation and have near final design documentation. Applicants should clearly outline the activities associated with obtaining planning approval including an accurate timeframe for this to occur and evidence to support the position, such as lodgement or DA or indication from Council on the timeline.

Failure to provide evidence in relation to the development application may result in an application being set aside from further consideration at the Office of Sport’s absolute discretion.

A letter from your CEO is not sufficient to demonstrate that a Development Application is not required for the project. It is recommended that all applicants discuss the project scope with their relevant local Council to determine if the project will require a Development Application and obtain a letter from an authorised delegate at Council that clearly states a Development Application is not required for the specified project.

The more progressed a project’s design the greater level of confidence there will be in project cost, risk profile and delivery schedule. Applicants are encouraged to present detailed design plans; however, DA concept design plans will also be accepted.

Physical onsite works that are part of the construction represent the commencement of project construction. These works include, but are not limited to, early works construction packages, site clearing and demolition, earthworks or building works.

To demonstrate project need, you may consider the following:

• Photos of existing condition to show level of dilapidation or inadequacy
• Surveys taken from community groups, club members, players, etc that highlight the need
• Letters of support from community groups or expected users outlining the need
• Any other related evidence that supports the need.

Routine or cyclical maintenance projects are not eligible projects. New and/or upgraded project elements that demonstrate sustainable solutions are eligible, including: 

• energy efficiencies (e.g., LED lighting upgrade); 

• environmental sustainability (solar/battery installation, water harvesting); and 
• building facilities/surfaces for increased longevity and use are part of an eligible project scope. 

Universal Design is about creating an inclusive facility/society.  It helps everyone navigate their environment easily and makes them feel that they belong in that place.

It is not a type of product, building style or even a set of standards – it is a design thinking process.

That means Universal Design can be applied to anything and everything that is designed, programmed, or participated in throughout our everyday lives and environments.

Designs should go beyond Construction Code of Australia or Access standards to ensure facilities are accessible to more people.

For further information:

Design for Dignity Guidelines

NSW Government Architect

NSW Government Architect - Urban Design for Regional NSW

What is Universal Design | Centre for Excellence in Universal Design

Inclusive and accessible facilities consider Universal Design in their approach.
 
Universal Design is the design and composition of an environment so that it can be accessed, understood and used to the greatest extent possible by all people regardless of their gender, age, size, ability or disability. Refer to the Universal Design Australia for more information.

No. Applications should be limited to constructing new or redeveloping existing sport facilities, sporting fields, courts or other playing areas, amenities or lighting projects. Examples of eligible projects include:

• Construction of new or upgraded (including prefabricated modular facilities) unisex and universally designed change rooms for female participants, coaches, and officials.
• New and/or improved lockable shower and toilet cubicles.
• Provision of parent and child change spaces.
• Construction of new or upgraded lighting to sports fields, sports courts or playing areas (e.g., bowling greens).
• Construction of new or upgraded lighting around sport facilities that improves safety for women and girls (e.g., connectivity pathway lighting between fields and clubhouses).

Refer to Program Guidelines for eligible and ineligible projects.

No. The application process is competitive. It is anticipated there will be multiple applications competing for the funding available. Successful applications will be those which best meet the objectives of the program and demonstrate this. That is they can demonstrate a need for the project, provide a cost-effective budget and can demonstrate that the organisation applying has the capacity to deliver the project.  

No. Facility planning including preparation of feasibility studies, design or development stages for a project are considered ineligible project costs. 

Staged components of a larger facility development are eligible, providing the stage being applied for meets the program criteria and is not already funded by another NSW government grant.

No. The Program aims to support the capital construction cost of a project.

Yes. Applicants can claim a maximum of 10% of the grant amount requested (exclusive of GST) for the payment of external/independent project management costs.  This limit cannot be exceeded unless otherwise agreed by the NSW Government.

The Grant Assessment Panel may seek information from other State Government agencies and other organisations to avoid duplication of funding for the project. Written comment/feedback on applications may be requested from the following stakeholders to inform the assessment:

• Office of Sport
• Local MPs
• Regional Organisation of Councils
• Office of Local Government
• Other State Government entities/agencies providing funding for similar projects
• State/national sporting organisations
• Relevant experts.

The NSW Government reserves the right to be involved in media opportunities and speaking engagements relating to the funded project. Successful recipients must ensure that any media opportunities, speaking engagements and signage relating to the Program or project are discussed with, and approved in advance by, Office of Sport.

All successful applicants will receive detailed information about how they must acknowledge NSW Government funding for infrastructure projects. Projects funded will typically require a statement of funding acknowledgment in the applicant’s annual reports and media releases; and a statement and the NSW Government logo included on building signage, related websites and invitations and other funding related materials. Successful applicants will receive full guidelines, logo and signage template files.

Further details about acknowledgment of NSW Government funding for infrastructure projects can be found here.

The Office of Sport acknowledges that things may occur that will impact grant recipients and projects at any time. Any variation requested by a successful applicant to a project, for which a grant has been approved, that constitute a change to the original application will require a revised assessment of the application to determine whether the project should still be funded in accordance with the Program Guidelines. This includes situations where a successful applicant is seeking a significant change the project scope, budget or schedule.

Any variation to the project must be agreed to in writing by the Office of Sport and may require Minister approval. In these circumstances, the grant recipients may request a variation via the grant management system SmartyGrants. Requests for variations to the Funding Agreement or changes to the project will only be considered in limited circumstances and are subject to approval in writing by the Office of Sport. 

A financial acquittal will be required within three months of completion of the project. This will require preparation of a profit and loss statement relating to the project expenditure and funding sources.  For grant amounts of $50,000 and over this must also be certified by an independent qualified accountant. Acquittal must be for the total project cost for funded scope items (which includes grant amount plus any financial co-contribution that contributes directly to these scope items).

If you are provided a grant, it is your responsibility to put in place adequate controls to prevent fraud and corruption and avoid negligence. This requirement is stipulated in the funding agreement terms and conditions.

Fraud is defined by the Independent Commission Against Corruption as “dishonestly obtaining a benefit, or causing a loss, by deception or other means”, and corruption as “deliberate or intentional wrongdoing, not negligence or a mistake”. Grant recipients may experience fraud, corruption or negligence when dealing with contractors in the project, or within their own organisation or its governance. In general, negligence can be defined as the failure to take proper care over or for something.

Appropriate management of procurement processes, the management of contracts and contractors, the establishment of appropriate project management practices (including governance and oversight), and the declaration and management of conflicts of interest are common controls used to prevent or control such incidents. The Office of Sport does not cover the loss of project funding due to fraud, corruption or negligence on behalf of the grant recipient which may also result in the termination of a funding agreement for a grant.

If you experience fraud, corruption or negligence, you should notify the Office of Sport. The Office of Sport can help your organisation work any variations required, except additional funding, to manage the impact on the project.

Fraud and corruption should always be reported to the police. More information about reporting fraud and corruption can be found at:

https://www.police.nsw.gov.au/crime/frauds_and_scams

https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/report-fraud

https://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/buying-products-and-services/scams

It is by your organisation’s committee not Office of Sport.  The Equitable Access and Usage Policy, along with the Action Plan must be approved by your organisation’s appropriate delegated authority to sign on behalf of the organisation (e.g. CEO, General Manager, member of the Board of Management or authorised staff member) and/or applicable policy approval process that your organisation may have. The approval may be different dependent on the organisation type.

Physical onsite works that are part of the construction represent the commencement of project construction. These works include, but are not limited to, early works construction packages, site clearing and demolition, earthworks or building works.

The sample policies will be very useful, that you can access on the program website under supporting documents. You can contact your relevant State Sport Organisation, association or Council also for support or recommendations.

A template Equitable Access and Use Policy and template Action Plan are available on the Program’s website along with examples.

The Office of Sport will provide online Community of Practice that will support applicants in the development of their policies and plans. Further information on the Community of Practice will be available on the Program’s website including how to register.

A template Equitable Access and Use Policy and template Action Plan are available on the Program’s website along with examples.

The Office of Sport will provide online Community of Practice that will support applicants in the development of their policies and plans. Further information on the Community of Practice will be available on the Program’s website including how to register.

This Program will be prioritised to organisations who already have or commit to having by 30 June 2024 an Equitable Access and Usage Policy in place.

Applicants must also provide as part of their application an approved or draft Equitable Access and Usage Policy or existing relevant policies that address the aims of the Equitable Access and Usage Policy. A supporting action plan is also required. An approved Equitable Access and Usage Policy and action plan is required by 30 June 2024 to remain eligible for funding under the Level the Playing Field Program.

Where the Applicant is a local government authority in New South Wales a minimum 50% financial co-contribution of the grant amount requested is required.

Where the Applicant is an eligible sporting club the minimum 50% financial co-contribution of the grant amount requested is not required, even if the sporting club leases the land from council who is the landowner.

Where the Applicant is a local government authority in New South Wales a minimum 50% financial co-contribution of the grant amount requested is required.

If the applicant meets the eligibility criteria it would be able to apply, and the conflict would be declared and managed via an approved process with oversight by the Program’s Probity Advisor.

Whilst educational organisations such as schools, TAFEs and universities are not eligible applicants, we encourage partnerships with these organisations and other partners such as sport organisations to provide the community with access to sporting facilities. A project between an eligible applicant e.g., council and a public school using the Joint Use Facility Agreement developed by School Infrastructure NSW would be an eligible project. The eligible applicant e.g., council or the sporting club would need to be the applicant under the Program.

Applications may come from the Council or the club. Where the club is the applicant it should provide landowner consent (from Council) and this must be using the Office of Sport landowner consent form for the project on the land on which the facility is being developed or redeveloped.

Applicants that meet the eligibility requirements listed in the program guidelines can apply for the grant. As part of the application process applicants should provide landowner consent form and this must be using the Office of Sport landowner consent form for the project on the land on which the facility is being developed or redeveloped. If for example, Council is the manager of the Crown Lands it may provide the landowner consent.

Inclusive and accessible facilities consider Universal Design in their approach. Universal Design is the design and composition of an environment so that it can be accessed, understood and used to the greatest extent possible by all people regardless of their gender, age, size, ability or disability. Refer to the Universal Design Australia for more information.

There are also resources available in the program guidelines around universal design and previous Inclusive Facility Design and Innovation Forums:

https://www.sport.nsw.gov.au/community-sport-infrastructure-resource-library/inclusive-facility-design-and-innovation-forums

The application should identify how the project contributes to the overall program objectives. The primary objectives of the Program are to:

• Ensure women and girls have equitable access to sport and recreation facilities.
• Foster positive sport and recreation participation experiences for women and girls.
• Increase utilisation of sport and recreation facilities by women and girls.

The application should identify how the project contributes to the overall program objectives. The primary objectives of the Program are to:

• Ensure women and girls have equitable access to sport and recreation facilities.
• Foster positive sport and recreation participation experiences for women and girls.
• Increase utilisation of sport and recreation facilities by women and girls.

A professional sporting club would be eligible if it is an incorporated, community-based, not-for-profit sporting organisations (clubs and associations whose primary purpose is to organise sporting activities/deliver sport programs).

The primary objectives of the Program are to:

• Ensure women and girls have equitable access to sport and recreation facilities.
• Foster positive sport and recreation participation experiences for women and girls.
• Increase utilisation of sport and recreation facilities by women and girls

In the program guidelines under ineligible projects, it states:

Retrospective funding, where projects have commenced construction or are completed prior to the execution of a funding agreement, or which could proceed without any NSW Government financial assistance.

Therefore, this would be ineligible

Under the Eligible Projects in the program guidelines, it states the following:

• Construction of new or upgraded lighting to fields, courts or playing areas that deliver and can demonstrate increased training and competition opportunities and actual utilisation and/or improve safety for women and girls.

The Program will prioritise facilities that demonstrate inclusive and accessible design, maximise women and girls’ sports participation and can demonstrate provision of equitable program content and scheduling for women and girls.

Applications should identify how the project contributes to the overall program objectives. The primary objectives of the Program are to:

• Ensure women and girls have equitable access to sport and recreation facilities.
• Foster positive sport and recreation participation experiences for women and girls.
• Increase utilisation of sport and recreation facilities by women and girls.

Rural sporting clubs and applicants are encouraged to apply. As per the criterion 5 – Population Growth - Applicants will be given a score between 0 and 10 calculated as the average of the:

• projected population (in 2033)
• population growth rate overall
• population growth rate among 15-24 year olds for the location of the facility using Australian Bureau of Statistics census data at suburb level (NSW Statistical Area 3 (SA3))

The Grant Assessment Panel may consider the geographical spread and may also consider sport type or project size to determine successful projects and achieve objectives of the program. It may also consider projects in low Socio-Economic Index for Areas (SEIFA) areas more favourably.