Frequently asked questions
What is the Natural Disaster Donated Fodder Transport Subsidy?
The Natural Disaster Donated Fodder Transport Subsidy provides funding to non-profit organisations that donate and transport donated fodder to a central location within NSW for the benefit of three or more primary producers with livestock whose property has been affected by a declared natural disaster.
What can be funded under the subsidy?
Approved organisations can claim for the cost of transporting donated fodder to a central location within a declared local government area (LGA) up to a maximum distance of 1,500 kilometres.
Who can apply for the subsidy?
A charitable organisation or transport organisation that both donates and transports fodder may be eligible for the subsidy. Transport organisations must be verified businesses that hold an active Australian Business Number (ABN). Organisations must gain pre-approval from the RAA, before arranging the transport of donated fodder.
What is required when applying for pre-approval?
The applying organisation will need to complete the online application form available via the RAA website and provide a cost estimate for the cartage of fodder to be transported. The organisation will be required to enter an agreement with the RAA, specifying the amount of fodder to be transported, number of trips to be completed, the total distance to be travelled and the cost of the cartage.
How long are applications open?
The close date is dependent on the declared natural disaster. Applications are open for six months following the confirmation of the natural disaster declaration. A list of declarations and application close dates is provided on the RAA’s Declarations webpage.
Once pre-approval has been gained, what are the next steps?
The RAA will provide written pre-approval to the applying organisation once the application has been reviewed and deemed eligible. The applying organisation can then complete the donated fodder planned trips and, once complete, submit claims including the invoices showing the trips complete, via the RAA website. Approved organisations have three months from the date of the RAA pre-approval letter to submit their claims.
How long do approved organisations have to submit documentation to claim payment?
Organisations approved for the subsidy, have three months from the date of application approval, to submit claims for eligible costs.
Where do I submit documentation to claim payment?
Organisations should submit claims via the online claim form on the RAA website and will need to provide the following information:
- BP reference number
- a copy of the approval letter
- case number from your original application
- tax invoices
- movement sheet.
Who receives the payment when a claim is lodged?
The RAA will pay directly to the approved organisation’s bank account. The organisation is responsible for making the payments to the transport service providers in accordance with the program guidelines. The RAA may request evidence that the applying organisation has made the payment to the transport service provider. Such evidence may include, but is not limited to, bank statements showing amounts paid to transport service providers, which will be checked against the invoices paid via the claim.
Why is drought not a declared natural disaster?
The Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA) enable the Commonwealth and NSW Governments to provide assistance in the event of declared natural disasters. The NDRRA defines a natural disaster as one or a combination of the following rapid onset events: bushfire, earthquake, flood, storm, cyclone, storm surge, landslide, tsunami, meteorite strike, or tornado.
How quickly will claims be progressed?
The RAA aims for a two-week turnaround including the receipt of payments.
What assurance activities are required of approved applicants?
As an administrator of NSW Government funds, the RAA is responsible for ensuring all public monies delivered via our programs is used only for the intended purpose. As such, the RAA regularly requests that organisation that have accessed funds via the Natural Disaster Donated Fodder Transport Subsidy complete an Assurance Form. All information collected during the assurance process is treated confidentially and is only be used internally within the RAA for audit, risk management and assurance purposes.
How does the RAA protect itself against fraud?
The RAA has a strong commitment to fraud prevention, detection, and response. Making a fraudulent application, including providing false or misleading information, is a criminal offence which carries a maximum penalty of two years imprisonment, or a fine of $22,000, or both. The RAA will also attempt to recover any assistance received as a result of fraud. More information can be found on the Fraud and Corruption Prevention page on our website.
Where can I get further assistance?
If you have any further questions, please contact our team on 1800 678 593 or email rural.assist@raa.nsw.gov.au.