Mines Grouting Fund

⁠⁠⁠Overview

Lake Macquarie City Council administers the Lake Macquarie Mines Grouting Fund, which supports development in Lake Macquarie while mitigating the risks associated with mine subsidence. Funded by the Australian Government, the fund provides financial assistance to projects when grouting costs exceed a set threshold, where legacy mines would otherwise prevent development from proceeding.

Purpose

By reducing uncertainty and risk for developers, the fund facilitates the construction of new housing and the creation of jobs throughout Lake Macquarie.

Funding

Relationship with Subsidence Advisory NSW (SANSW)

The fund works alongside SANSW processes and approvals and does not replace the need for project approvals. To receive funding, applicants must provide a mine grouting plan approved by SANSW before starting work. After completing the work, applicants must also provide a SANSW-endorsed verification plan before Council can consider any claims. The fund monitors the grouting work and costs to ensure they match the approved plan. It is the applicant's responsibility to obtain the necessary project approvals and complete the work according to those approvals.

Role of the Council-appointed expert

Council will engage an independent expert to review each fund application, checking whether the work and costs match the approved mine grouting plans and are reasonable. The expert will also supervise the grouting work to ensure it follows the SANSW-approved plan and agreement. At the end of the project, the expert will review the SANSW-endorsed verification plan and recommend to Council whether to approve the fund claim. Applicants still need to engage their own technical experts to prepare a mine grouting plan, obtain approvals, undertake the grouting work, and complete a verification plan.

Approval term

Fund approval lasts for the term specified in the funding deed executed between Council and the successful applicant. The funding term is determined on a case-by-case basis during the assessment process.

Participation

Participation in the fund is voluntary. Proponents of projects can decide whether they want to apply.

Project delivery

Usually, the developer's contractor will carry out the work and the developer's technical consultant will check it against the SANSW approval. Council's appointed expert will monitor the project, inspect the site and report on key milestones. Council's only role is to provide financial assistance to eligible projects under the fund's terms. Council is not responsible for any specific development matters and does not accept liability for project developments.

Timing of contributions

The fund will contribute to the approved grouting costs once SANSW has verified the completed work and the verification plan has been reviewed by the Council-appointed expert.

Contractor Requirements

• The contractor engaged by the developer to carry out grouting works must be qualified and experienced in grouting, and able to complete the work efficiently and to the required standards

Information Requested

To apply for funding assistance, applicants need to ensure they have the following documents:

• Documentation supporting eligibility for assistance
• Mine grouting plan approved by Subsidence Advisory NSW
• Development consent for the proposed works, including the development application reference number
• Grouting contractor tender documents, including evidence the grouting works have not commenced
• Scheduled prices for the proposed grouting works
• A delivery plan including proposed contractors and consultants, the proposed procurement method for contractors and consultants, a description of the proposed work methods for the grouting works, a proposed program, and the anticipated construction date

How to Apply

Applications for the Lake Macquarie Mines Grouting Fund are made online and remain open subject to available funding.

Step 1: What you need to know

Before starting an application, applicants should review the Lake Macquarie Mines Grouting Fund Guideline (PDF, 6MB), which explains eligibility, exclusions and how applications are assessed. Applicants should also review the Funding Deed template (PDF, 600KB) and Schedule of Prices template (PDF, 86KB) for further information on the arrangements that apply if an application is supported.

Step 2: Gather your documents

Applicants should refer to the Fund Guideline (PDF, 6MB) and the Funding Deed template (PDF, 600KB) for further details on the documentation required. Alternatively, applicants can email minesgroutingfund@lakemac.nsw.gov.au or contact the Customer Service Centre on 02 4921 0333, Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm, and ask to speak to a member of the Integrated Planning team.

Step 3: Apply

Once the required documents have been gathered, applicants can apply online for Lake Macquarie Mines Grouting Fund assistance. Electronic versions of the required documentation must be uploaded to complete the application.