The following information relates to programs that were launched before 2018. These programs had their own resources and templates, provided below, and operated off the original MERIT user guide. Later guides have been released for specific programs such as Environmental Stewardship Program (ESP) and the Regional Land Partnership (RLP).
National Landcare Program phase one
National Landcare Program monitoring and reporting plan
The National Landcare Program Monitoring and Reporting plan outlined the monitoring, evaluation, reporting and improvement (MERI) approach and responsibilities of National Landcare Program funding recipients and the Australian Government to ensure:
- funding recipients tracked and reported on project progress and achievements
- the Australian Government tracked and reported program achievements, including impacts on the environment, natural resource base and community
- information collected along the way informed ongoing and future design and delivery of projects and programs
- accountability of public expenditure.
This plan was based on the Australian Government Natural Resource Management Monitoring, Evaluation, Reporting and Improvement Framework and worked in conjunction with the program guidelines that related to the relevant funding component under the National Landcare Program.
Caring for our Country 2013-18 reporting
As part of the Australian Government's commitment to accountability, reporting on program outcomes and adaptive management in natural resource management (NRM) and biodiversity conservation, a range of documents were developed to support reporting for Caring for our Country projects.
The purpose of these documents was to assist grant recipients with the monitoring, evaluation and reporting requirements of Australian Government NRM programs. They supported the collection and reporting of data and information about the NRM and biodiversity conservation efforts that the NRM community delivers.
The following range of practical resources were provided to build understanding of how Australia is managing its natural resources and conserving biodiversity.
Monitoring, evaluation, reporting and improvement strategy
This was essential reading for all Caring for our Country and Biodiversity Fund recipients prior to developing their project MERI plan. This document outlined the objectives, principles, approach of MERI, and the roles and responsibilities of grant recipients and the Australian Government.
Program MERI Plans - sustainable environment, sustainable agriculture
Sustainable Environment Program MERI Plan (PDF 374.46 KB)
Sustainable Environment Program MERI Plan (DOCX 330.91 KB)
This document includes key performance indicators and standard project measures.
Project MERI plan templates
The following templates were provided for Caring for our Country and Biodiversity Fund recipients. As outlined in funding agreements, grant recipients were required to complete and submit a MERI plan for approval by the Department. The following MERI plans were available to download.
Community Environment Grants
Community Environment Grants Project MERI Plan Template (PDF 157.35 KB)
Community Environment Grants Project MERI Plan Template (DOCX 58.64 KB)
Target Area Grants
Target Area Grants MERI Plan Template (PDF 237.15 KB)
Target Area Grants MERI Plan Template (DOCX 397.14 KB)
Regional Delivery
Regional Delivery program MERI Plan Template (PDF 303.87 KB)
Regional Delivery program MERI Plan Template (DOCX 686.16 KB)
Reef Rescue
Reef Rescue Water Quality Grants MERI Plan Template (PDF 244.1 KB)
Reef Rescue Water Quality Grants MERI Plan Template (DOCX 396.78 KB)
Reef Rescue Water Quality Partnerships MERI Plan Template (PDF 248.51 KB)
Reef Rescue Water Quality Partnerships MERI Plan Template (DOCX 397.32 KB)
Reef Rescue Systems Repair and Urban Water Quality On-ground grants MERI Plan Template (PDF 250.05 KB)
Reef Rescue Systems Repair and Urban Water Quality On-ground grants MERI Plan Template (DOCX 1.46 MB)
Reef Rescue Systems Repair and Urban Water Quality Planning grants MERI Plan Template (PDF 232.28 KB)
Reef Rescue Systems Repair and Urban Water Quality Planning grants MERI Plan Template (DOCX 393.95 KB)
Additional information
Guide to completing a Project MERI Plan (PDF 181.01 KB)
Guide to completing a Project MERI Plan (DOCX 1.26 MB)
A simple Project MERI plan example (PDF 236.91 KB)
A simple Project MERI plan example (DOCX 109.24 KB)
Condition change monitoring field guides
In addition to reporting on the activities undertaken and project outputs delivered, grant recipients were provided a MERI budget component in their funding agreements to undertake monitoring and evaluation to demonstrate project outcomes - i.e. the impacts of their activities. This included for example, showing demonstrated changes in condition of an environmental asset or increase in organisational capacity. An ecological monitoring guide was developed for the Biodiversity Fund and assisted other Australian Government NRM funded projects.
Biodiversity Fund Ecological Monitoring Guide (PDF 1.77 MB)
Biodiversity Fund Ecological Monitoring Guide (DOC 343 KB)
Other MERI resources
MERI frequently asked questions (PDF 36.76 KB)
MERI frequently asked questions (DOCX 35.71 KB)
Developing and using program logic in natural resource management: user guide