Up to $5m funding available for water smart projects

Up to $5 million of funding for innovative sustainable water use projects is now available in a new funding round of the Smart Water Fund. Businesses, community groups, individuals and research organisations are urged to apply for the funding, which is available for water conservation, water recycling and biosolids management projects.

“With Melbourne’s water storages just under 30% full and strict water restrictions in force across Victoria, there is an ongoing need to find innovative ways to conserve water,” said Shaun Cox, spokesperson for the Smart Water Fund.

“The Smart Water Fund supports creative projects in metropolitan Melbourne and regional towns that conserve and recycle water. It then shares the learnings gained from these projects to build Victoria’s water-saving knowledge.”

Funding for innovative sustainable water use projects will be available in two stages:

• Up to $3 million for Victoria-wide urban community and business innovations is available from 25 June 2008;
• Up to $2 million for research and development into some of the key challenges facing the water industry will be made available in late July.

The Victorian government’s Smart Water Fund is an initiative of Melbourne’s water businesses — City West Water, South East Water, Yarra Valley Water, Melbourne Water — and the Department of Sustainability and Environment.

Applications for funding close 22 August 2008.

For further information, visit www.smartwater.com.au.