Make Local Communities Accessible for all Australians – Accessible Communities


The Department of Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs' (FaHCSIA's) Accessible Communities initiative is currently open for applications. Applications for funding were due to close at 2.00pm AEDST Friday 25 February 2011.

In response to the communities affected by recent disasters and extreme weather events which have impacted on the ability of these local governments to develop and lodge an application, FaHCSIA has been asked to consider extending the closing date for Accessible Communities applications.

To ensure that the process is fair and equitable the extension will be offered to all applicants. Therefore the application period will now be extended to 2.00pm AEDST Friday 25 March 2011. Local governments that have already completed an application will be given the opportunity to resubmit by the closing date at 2.00pm AEDST Friday 25 March 2011.


Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Make Local Communities Accessible for all Australians - Accessible Communities?

Accessible Communities is an initiative under the National Disability Strategy and focuses on achieving more accessible public buildings and spaces for people with disability.

Accessible Communities will provide infrastructure funding to local government applicants for improvements to community infrastructure, including new construction, major renovations or refurbishment of assets.  This could include community facilities such as playgrounds, swimming pools, public toilets etc.

Who is eligible to apply for the funding?

Any local government entity is eligible to apply for Accessible Communities funding. 

What is the definition of local government for the purpose of Accessible Communities?

Local government is defined as:

  • An authority created by state/territory law to provide municipal services to a defined area; or
  • A democratically-elected body which oversees provision of equivalent services to an area which is not geographically part of another local government authority, and which does not receive the services from another source (i.e. the relevant state/territory government).

How do many applications can we submit?

Each local government is permitted to submit up to two applications.

If my local government submits two applications, does it mean they will be competing against each other in the selection process?

Yes. All applications will be assessed on their merits and ranked. This means that potentially one application may be successful while another isn't. Or both could be successful or unsuccessful.

How do we apply for the funding?

Applications can be made via the electronic form found in the application pack on the FaHCSIA website at: www.fahcsia.gov.au/sa/disability/funding.

Applicants are advised to read all the additional information in the application pack carefully before filling out the application form.

Applications will close 25 March 2011 at 2pm AEDST.  In order to be considered the applications must be received by FAHCSIA within the application period.

How do we sign the application form?

At the bottom of the application form, the declaration section asks for agreement to several conditions, along with a name, position and date. Ticking the agreement to conditions box and inserting your name, position and the date is equivalent to signing the application form. The form must be approved by an acceptable office according to your local government's protocols.

Can we include websites, Youtube clips, letters of support or any other documentary evidence as part of our application?

No. Only provide the documents requested in the application form. Responses to the selection criteria must be provided in the text boxes, and cannot be attached. Our panels are unable to assess any material that is not included in your application submission. As such, using websites or any other medium to respond to selection criteria is not permitted.

Will FaHCSIA acknowledge my application?

FaHCSIA will provide an email response within 48 hours to the address from which the application(s) were submitted.

How much funding can we apply for?

Each application can be for up to $100,000 (GST-exclusive) based on meeting a range of criteria.

To be eligible to apply for Accessible Communities funding each local government must match the funding amount with their own funds for each application submitted.

A funding agreement will be signed with the local government.

Can we apply for more than $100,000 in the application?

No.  The maximum amount each local government can apply for in each application is a maximum of $100,000 (GST-exclusive).

When will funds be paid?

FaHCSIA expects to sign Funding Agreements with successful applicants in June 2011. Payment of funds will be made shortly after the signing of the Funding Agreement.  

What are the requirements of matched funding?

Each local government will match the Department of Families Housing Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA) funding amount via a local government contribution towards the intended project in each application.

Is there any restriction on the matched funding amount for each local government?

Funding up to a maximum of $100,000 (GST exclusive) will be provided by FaHCSIA to successful applicants in each application.  This amount must be matched by the recipient. There is, however, no restriction on the additional funding the recipient may commit to the project, provided the matched funding requirement is met. Therefore, any successful applicant may commit an amount greater than the matched amount if they choose.

Can the local government contribution be partly or wholly in kind (i.e. a contribution of land, or an existing facility or equipment?

No, only a financial contribution will be accepted for the purposes of the Accessible Communities initiative.  

Can the project include a component of in-kind support from local businesses, community organisations or individuals?

Yes, contributions to your project from third parties are permitted, but these must be entirely separate to your local government's financial contribution, and the Commonwealth's financial contribution. You will need to detail any such contributions in your application.

Must the local government contribution come from a particular source?

The source of funds for the local government contribution must come from the local government's own funds (i.e. funds from state/territory governments or other programs may not be used). The precise source of funding from within the local government budget (and whether from the 2010-11 or 2011-12 budget) is immaterial. However, the project funds cannot be used to subsidise projects which would otherwise proceed with local government funding. The funds cannot have already been committed to the project in the local government's 2010-11 budget.

If our application relates to a component of a larger project, where the larger project receives funding support from a third party, will the component be eligible for funding under Accessible Communities?

Provided the component project is not in any way dependant on the larger project succeeding, the component will be eligible for funding. If the component would become undeliverable because the larger project failed for any reason, it would be ineligible

How will non-capital expenses be covered?

The Commonwealth funding amount must be used entirely for capital expenses (i.e. materials and labour).  The local government amount may cover necessary non-capital expenses, such as planning, design and project management.  All these expenses must be detailed in the application.

Can projects address access needs at facilities that are not owned by the council?

Applications will only be accepted from local government areas, which must carry out the work they propose (or sub-contract some or all of the work).  The projects detailed in applications may address access needs at council-owned facilities or community-owned (i.e. owned by not-for-profit organisations) facilities that are generally accessible to the public.  This includes facilities that are targeted (i.e. a playgroup is targeted at families with children), as long as the service they provide is freely offered to all members of the community who may require it.  Projects which cover access to essential everyday services, such as post offices, council customer service centres and public transport facilities are ineligible, as are access improvements at state/territory government-owned facilities, such as schools and health clinics.  Projects which will improve access at the premises of for-profit organisations (i.e. local shops) are also ineligible.

Can the funding be used for an audit of accessibility in council facilities?

No. The program guidelines state that funds cannot be used for projects that support council operations or for project management costs. As an audit could fall under either of these categories, funding cannot be used for that purpose.

Is FaHCSIA able to comment on my local government's project proposal?

No.  To ensure the selection process is fair for all applicants, FaHCSIA cannot provide comment on any applicant's project, or make comment on whether a particular project would be eligible.  Applicants are advised to carefully review the program documentation when deciding whether to apply.

Can you suggest how we address each criteria? How should we address the selection criteria covering the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities?

FaHCSIA cannot provide advice on these matters, as the selection process must remain fair for all applicants.

Can you please advise whether my proposed project will be eligible for funding?

The Department is able to assist potential Applicants in understanding the eligiblity requirements in section 3.2 of Part C of the Program Guidelines.

However, the Department is not able to advise potential Applicants on how their proposal will be scored against the selection criteria set out in section 3.3 of Part C of the Program Guidelines.  This is because:

  • probity requires that all Applicants be given access to the same information and assistance;
  • the ultimate decision about whether a proposal is chosen to receive funding will be made by the delegate rather than the staff administering the help desk; and
  • whether or not individual projects are successful will depend on how they address the selection criteria in their Applications and their relative performance compared with other Applications.

Accordingly, Applicants should consider their proposed projects against the selection criteria set out in seciton 3.3 of Part C of the Program Guidelines. 

[Please note that the examples of projects given in section 2.5 of Part C of the Program Guidelines are only intended as a guide to applicants as to the types of projects the Department considers may meet the program objectives.  The examples are not exhaustive.]

How much detail am I required to put into my application?

You must provide enough detail to ensure the panel can assess your application, or your application may not proceed in the selection process. FaHCSIA cannot provide further guidance on the level, type or structure of detail applicants provides.

How will you decide who receives funding?

Applications will be checked to ensure that the applicant is eligible (is a local government, has access to matched funding, has correctly filled out the application etc).  If so they will be assessed against the selection criteria in the application form and rated accordingly.

What eligibility criteria applies to applicants for Accessible Communities?

The organisation must be a local government authority (see Q3 for "what is defined as local government").

The organisation's legal status must be consistent with the list provided in the program guidelines.

The project particulars must be satisfied (i.e. budget and timeframes limitations as detailed in the program guidelines).

Who decides on who receives the funding?

Eligible applications will be assessed by a team of assessors in FaHCSIA, and overseen by a probity advisor to ensure the process is fair and transparent.

FaHCSIA has rigorous assessment guidelines that must be followed in all assessment processes.

Can the ACT Government apply for funding?

Yes.  As the ACT Government is responsible for the administration of local government matters in the ACT they are considered a local government entity for the purposes of this initiative.  Therefore all references to 'local government' in application documentation includes the ACT Government.

When should applicants expect to be notified of the outcome of their application?

FaHCSIA expects to be able to notify both successful and unsuccessful applicants in late May 2011.

Is the available funding limited?

Yes.  The available funding for the Accessible Communities initiative is limited to $5 million (GST-exclusive) nationally, in 2010-11.

Will the funding be available again in 2011-12?

No. At this stage the funding is a 'one-off' round available in 2010-11.

Supplementary Note:

At the Commonwealth level, the funds for this initiative are being sourced in the 2010-11 financial year, to be paid for work in the 2011-12 financial year. At this stage, there are no funds for the 2012-13 financial year.

Can we still apply for the funding if we are unable to match the funding as required?

No. To be eligible to apply for the Accessible Communities funding each local government must match the funding amount with their own funds.

Is there any time limits on the project? 

Yes.  All projects must be commenced within six months and completed within 12 months of signing the funding agreement.

Work has to be completed by 30 June 2012. If work is completed, but the facility is not opened by this date, will the project have met the requirements of the Accessible Communities initiative?

Accessible Communities aims to improve accessibility to community facilities for people with disability in a short timeframe.  Where an Accessible Communities project is a component of a larger project, a slightly delayed opening time will be acceptable if the component cannot be opened before the project as a whole.  However, construction work on the component must still have been completed by the 30 June 2012 deadline.

The deadline for commencement of project work is 31 December 2011. If design work or planning is carried out after this date, leaving the commencement of physical building until after 31 December 2011, does this breach the conditions of funding?

No. Work on the project, whether planning, design, or construction, must commence before 31 December 2011. As long as one of these aspects is commenced by this date, the project remains in compliance.

Can a local government submit an application for a joint project, collaborating with other local governments?

Yes, local governments can submit an application for a joint-project to be undertaken collaboratively.

FaHCSIA only has funding agreements with individual providers.  Therefore one local government must be nominated on the application as the Lead Agency.  If successful the Lead Agency will be offered a funding agreement with FaHCSIA.  The Lead Agency will be held liable for all obligations contained in the terms and conditions of the funding agreement. See the application pack for further details of consortium arrangements.

It is recommended that applicants get their own independent legal advice on Lead Agency and Consortium arrangements.

Can we apply for a project with multiple components?

  Under each application, applicants are permitted to apply for funding for a project with several (related) components. The funding applied for may be used for the project as a whole or for a specific component of a larger project. The amount contributed by the applicant may exceed the FaHCSIA funding in this case. Each applicant/consortium is permitted to submit up to two applications (i.e. two unrelated projects).

Can two separate grants be used for the same project?

No, if an applicant were to receive two grants, they must be used for separate, unrelated projects.

Can the funding be put towards an existing project?

No, the funding can only be used for new projects, or new stages of existing projects.  The funds cannot be used to subsidise projects which would otherwise proceed with local government funding.

If a project had to be terminated by the local government for any reason, what would happen?

The funding recipient would usually be required to return the funding. In this situation, the funding recipient should contact FaHCSIA as early as possible for instructions.

Can the local government vary the project details based on changing circumstances or council budgetary issues?

No. This would constitute a breach of the Funding Agreement, and would be dealt with accordingly. The project completed must be the project detailed in the application.

Will applicants need to submit quotes, schematics, diagrams or any other supporting documentation?

Applicants must only submit documents specified in the application form. If FaHCSIA requires any other documentation, we will contact you at the appropriate time. Remember that the selection criteria will be used to assess your application, so make sure you include adequate detail within your criteria responses so the panel has a clear understanding of the project proposed.

Can work begin prior to the dates specified?

No, work may only commence between the signing of the funding agreement and 31 December, and must be completed by 30 June 2012. Work must not commence before the Funding Agreement is signed. Work commencing after this period will be a breach of the Funding Agreement, and will be dealt with accordingly.

Can funding cover freight and installation of equipment?

Yes. Necessary freight and installation costs should be detailed in the application and subsequent reporting.

Can projects use funding from other sources, or rely on other funding applications lodged with other programs?

No. The project can only be funded by the Commonwealth contribution (i.e. from the Accessible Communities initiative) and the matching local government contribution. Applications that include funding from any other source will not be considered. In-kind contributions are permitted, however, as detailed elsewhere in the Q&A.   

What can the local government use this funding for?

The local government could use the funding for improvements to community infrastructure in their local areas, major renovation or refurbishment of assets, such as:

  • Social and cultural infrastructure (e.g. art spaces, gardens, parks)
  • Recreational facilities (e.g. swimming pools, sporting arenas)
  • Children, youth and seniors facilities (e.g. playgroup centres, senior citizen centres, libraries)
  • Access facilities (e.g. footpaths, bridges, ramps)
  • Playground facilities (e.g. ramps, accessible public toilets, accessible equipment)
  • Installation or upgrades to disability equipment that allows for participation in activities that would otherwise preclude people with disability, particularly children and young people (e.g. swimming pool hoists).

Can the funding be used for the purchase or modification of vehicles?

No.  The funding cannot be used for non-fixed infrastructure that isn't part of a building structure.

What projects will not be considered for Accessible Communities funding?

Projects will not be considered for funding where they do not provide a clear and direct benefit to members of the local community within the local government's jurisdiction.

These include:

  • Projects which support council operations (e.g. upgrade to council offices)
  • Projects which provide direct benefit to private businesses, other than those which provide a direct community service
  • Artwork
  • Information Technology and Communications hardware or software
  • Ongoing costs (e.g. operational costs (including staffing) and ongoing maintenance)
  • Roads or related infrastructure covered by other government programs such as the Roads to Recovery or Black Spot programs
  • Project management costs
  • Non-fixed infrastructure that is not part of a building structure (for example, above-ground irrigation systems).

What will happen if a local government breaches the terms of its funding agreement?

The breach will be addressed on a case by case basis and appropriate action will be taken, as outlined in the funding agreement.

The types of activity that would represent a breach of the funding agreement include:

  • not delivering the proposed project
  • not delivering the proposed project on time
  • not delivering the project as outlined in the application
  • changing the nature of the project without advising FaHCSIA
  • not complying with the reporting arrangements outlined in the funding agreement.

Does the proposed Accessible Communities project need to comply with the new Disability (Access to Premises - Buildings) Standards due to commence 1st of May 2011? If the building and planning permits have already been obtained prior to 1st of May will the project still need to comply?

The Premises Standards come into operation on 1 May 2011 and the Premises Standards will apply to buildings where building approval is lodged on or after that date.

Further information is available at: Attorney-General's Department website

Please refer to Part C: Application Information for the Accessible Communities Activity Section 2.7 which relates to Specialist requirements (e.g. Legislative requirements) which states:

The local government must comply with:

  • Principles and Objectives of the Disability Services Act 1986 (Cth) in performing obligations outlined in the Funding Agreement;
  • The Building Code of Australia and referenced Australian Standards applicable to the particular work such as:
    • Australian Standard: Design for Access and Mobility - general requirements for access - new building work 1428.1 (Edition 2009);
    • Australian Standard: Adaptable Housing Standard 4299 (Edition 1995);
  • The Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) in performing obligations outlined in the Funding Agreement;
  • The Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth) in performing obligations outlined in the Funding Agreement; and
  • United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

The PDF application form does not permit the full 2,000 characters allowed.  Can we use the Word document instead?

The limit for both the PDF and the Word document on the FaHCSIA website is 2,000 characters, as outlined in the application guidelines.  It may appear that the PDF fields do not allow all 2,000 characters. However ‘character’ includes all types of actions, including spaces, carriage returns, dot points etc.  The Word document may allow more than 2,000 characters to be typed in but any characters over 2,000, including all of the actions mentioned above, will not be taken into consideration in the assessment of the application.  It would therefore not be advantageous to use the Word document for this purpose.

We are aware that some applicants are unable to use the PDF format and the Word Document has been provided for this reason.  Please use the Word document if this applies to your circumstances.

If we have already filled out the form with the closing date 25 February 2011 do we need to transfer all this information into the updated form with a closing date of 25 March 2011?

You can use either the original application form, with the 25 February date, or the new one with the 25 March date.  Either is suitable to submit to FaHCSIA.

We are having problems submitting our application form. Can you tell us what the problem might be?

Organisations must have Adobe Reader v7.0.5 or later to use the electronic PDF Application Form. The latest version of Adobe Reader can be downloaded for free from ADOBE website. Other PDF Readers (e.g. Foxit Reader) may not be compatible with this PDF Application Form. Should organisations experience difficulties using the PDF, please use the Word version available on the FaHCSIA Website.

Content Updated: 31 May 2012