MARS - User guides and forms

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MARS online guidance - WalkMe

QRA has implemented a flexible guidance system called WalkMe that can be accessed when using MARS. Whether you are a first-time user, or just need a refresh, WalkMe guidance is available on demand to step users through each task. QRA Regional Liaison Officers (RLOs) are also ready to provide support to their councils and SDAs preparing to use MARS.

Refer to the MARS Portal user guide - Activation and submission preparation.  

Activation and submission preparation

Before you create a submission in MARS, please refer to the pre-season checklist.  The pre-season checklist covers key items that should be in place prior to disaster season, and ensures that your organisation has updated information in MARS to create submissions. 

https://www.qra.qld.gov.au/funding-programs/mars-portal-funding-program-applications/pre-season-checklist

The link above will direct you to our pre-season checklist.

The purpose of the MARS User Guide is to guide the user through key activities for activation and submission preparation in the MARS Portal (CM DOC/23/73410 last updated March 2024). 10 MB

New process for Head Agreements

We are implementing a more efficient paperless process supported by DocuSign. Read about new process for signing Head Agreements. (QRA doc DOC/25/29646 - last updated 20 May 2025) 164 KB

Bulk photo upload capability

Take a look at how the bulk photo upload capability has been enhanced. 275 KB
A list of navigation changes to the MARS Portal. 442 KB
This guide provides users with step-by-step information to upload photos using the new functionality, introduced in August 2022. 412 KB

Upload photo evidence to submission

The purpose of the MARS User Guide is to navigate the user through key activities for uploading photo evidence to a submission in the MARS Portal. 

(QRA Reference: CM DOC/23/73428. Last updated November 2023) 7 MB

Project funding schedule acceptance

This guide assists the organisational executive user in viewing and accepting Project Funding Schedules, as well as viewing and exporting payment certificates.
(QRA Reference: CM DOC/25/35945. Version 1.1. Last updated June 2024) 2 MB

Progress reporting and close outs

Progress reporting is required for all approved submissions in delivery as part of a delivery program for each active submission type within an event’s financial year. A monthly progress report for each delivery program is required by QRA during the delivery phase regardless of the need to claim a payment. The purpose of this document is to guide the user through key activities for progress reporting in the MARS Portal.
(QRA Reference: CM TBC. Version 2.0. Last updated July 2022) 1 MB

In-field assessment

MARS Portal user guide - in-field assessment - guides the user through actions relating to an in-field assessment in the MARS Portal. An in-field assessment (IFA) is a combined assessment (Compliance and Value for Money) conducted in close consultation with an applicant. It is undertaken at QRA’s discretion and can only be done on a draft submission.
(QRA Reference: CM TBC. Version 2.0. Last updated July 2022). 647 KB

Estimate updates

The purpose of this document is to guide the user through key activities for estimate updates in the MARS Portal.
(CM DOC/23/73424 Last updated August 2024). 1 MB

Enhancements

The purpose of this documents is to provide a summary of the enhancements implemented in the MARS Portal in October 2024.
(CM DOC/24/79350 Last updated October 2024) 903 KB
The purpose of this document is to provide a summary of minor enhancements implemented in the MARS Portal in October 2022. 469 KB
The purpose of this document is to provide a summary of minor enhancements implemented in the MARS Portal in March 2022. 1 MB
The purpose of this document is to provide a summary of minor enhancements in relation to viewing photos and working with line items implemented in the MARS Portal in April 2022. 860 KB

Betterment

 

The purpose of this document is to provide MARS users with information on Betterment. (Last update to CM DOC/23/73420 November 2023) 3 MB

Draft Reviews

The purpose of this document is to provide MARS users with information on Draft Reviews. (Last update to CM DOC/23/73421 November 2023) 7 MB

Troubleshooting errors, alerts and messages

The purpose of this document is to help MARS Portal users troubleshoot errors, alerts and messages. CM Document DOC/23/73426 Last updated November 2023) 6 MB

MARS support

Technical support for MARS users can be accessed by emailing support@qra.qld.gov.au.

QRA RLOs are also ready to provide support and advice to their councils and state agencies.