RCAP Application - 2025/2026

Introduction

The River Conservation Assistance Program (RCAP) provides financial assistance to private landholders to undertake on-ground river and riparian (stream bank) restoration projects. These projects protect and enhance waterway habitat and function across the City of Gold Coast (the City).

This targeted program is currently being trialled in alignment with the City’s Nature Conservation Assistance Program (NCAP).

To be eligible, all projects must be conducted within the City, on private land and must be in the public interest of the community.

The main objectives of the program are:

• Improved riverbank stabilisation.
• Reduced erosion.
• Improved waterway health including a reduction in sediment and nutrients.
• Increased instream habitat for native fish.
• Reduced livestock grazing impacts.
• Increased riparian vegetation extent and condition.
• Increased landholder environmental literacy and ability to manage waterway frontage sustainably.

Restoration work that is funded by RCAP must be maintained for a minimum of three years after completion of the project. To assist landholders in meeting these requirements, an application for further funding support can be submitted upon successful completion of the initial project funding period. 

Applying for RCAP funding is a 2-step process:

1. Landholder submits an RCAP Application Form (this document).
2. Applications are assessed, and landholder is notified of result within 4 weeks of applying.

Applicants may start works as soon as they submit their application but need to be aware that funding is not guaranteed. The City cannot guarantee applications will be successful.

Applicants can submit only one RCAP application per grant round. 

Your project should demonstrate environmental benefits and contribute to the wider protection, enhancement and management of the City's catchments and waterways. Catchment restoration activities that are eligible for funding through the RCAP include: environmental weed control and riparian restoration, such as planting of local native tubestock for the purpose of rehabilitating a degraded area that won’t naturally regenerate, construction of fences to control or prevent stock accessing waterways and riparian areas, and rehabilitating the banks of natural waterways to reduce sediment run-off, provide erosion control and increase waterway health.

Attach a map of your property in Attachment 1 which defines the total project area.

Briefly list and explain the activities and stages that will be completed as part of your project.

Provide figures for the following project outcomes. Not all the following outcomes may apply to your project

Funds available through RCAP are limited. Applications with projects well aligned with the program’s objectives, which offer value for money and demonstrate the best return on investment are the most likely to be successful.

Budget cost items must be detailed and realistic. Provide details of all items, materials and services, as well as price per unit. Costs must include GST.

All service providers must have an ABN.

A detailed, well researched budget demonstrates that you have planned your project.

To be eligible for funding, an applicant is required to contribute a minimum of 30% of the amount contributed by Council (e.g. if Council provide $1000, your in-kind contribution would be to the value of $300).

Your in-kind contribution can be labour or materials, cash, or a combination of both.

Please detail type and quantity of each contribution where applicable (note: your in-kind labour is valued at $44 per hour)

Quotes should include GST, and be detailed and itemised quotes (including but not limited to a dated proposed planting and maintenance schedule, hourly rates, number of labour hours, methodology i.e. weed control techniques, RE aligned species lists, materials, herbicides to be used, photo monitoring and travel costs). Ensure you advise the quoting company of these requirements.

If you choose to use a contractor which is more expensive than another, explain your reasons why their service will best achieve the expected outcomes.

Regardless of your preference of contractor, you must submit a minimum of two detailed quotes from two different contractors. 

Privacy

1. The City of Gold Coast will use any personal information provided for the purpose of processing your funds application and for remaining in contact with you. The City is authorised to collect this information in accordance with the Local Government Act 2009 and other Local Government Acts. Your personal information is only accessed by persons authorised to do so.
2. Please note the information provided on your funding application and in any related documentation/ discussions may be provided to members of the assessment panel in order to assist the City in processing your application.
3. By submitting an application, you consent to the City publishing the applicant's name, project description and amount funded on our website. This information may also be used to promote the NCAP and RCAP programs.
4. Your personal information is dealt with in accordance with the City’s privacy policy.

The City’s Information Privacy Policy can be viewed at here.

I, the applicant, agree to the above privacy statement and declare that the information provided in this form is correct in all respects at the time of lodgement of this application with the City of Gold Coast. I, the applicant, agree to take all reasonable care to protect the work completed with funds provided through the RCAP for the term of my property ownership. This includes, but is not limited to, tubestock planted, restoration works carried out, and fencing installed. Should any of the details given in relation to this application be changed in the future, I shall advise the City in writing prior to any such change being implemented.