$100m funding for stormwater harvesting and re-use projects

An extra $100 million for stormwater harvesting and re-use projects is being provided by the Australian Government to help secure urban water supplies and better utilise this natural resource.

Parliamentary Secretary for Sustainability and Urban Water, Senator Don Farrell, has announced the opening of a third stormwater grants round to ease pressure on drinking water supplies and improve the quality of urban waterways.

“Variable climate conditions and growing populations continue to put pressure on the urban water supplies of our cities and towns,” Senator Farrell said.

“Stormwater can bolster our water security by easing demand on drinking water for use on parks, gardens, sports fields, community facilities, and as an alternative to using drinking water for industrial purposes.

“In recognition of the impact of recent flooding across Australia, stormwater harvesting and re-use projects that include a flood mitigation component will also be eligible for this funding round.”

Announcing the new funding round at the Botanic Gardens First Creek Wetland - a project that received nearly $3 million in funding under the first stormwater grants round - Senator Farrell said the government is taking action to secure Australia’s water supplies for the future.

“This commitment includes hundreds of millions of dollars for innovative and sustainable stormwater harvesting and re-use projects, including this one at the Adelaide Botanic Gardens,” he said.

The Stormwater Harvesting and Reuse Grants Round is an important component of the National Urban Water and Desalination Plan. Successful projects will source 100% of their energy needs from renewable sources or fully offset the carbon impact of the project’s operations.

The Australian Government committed $200 million to the first and second grant rounds for more than 30 stormwater harvesting and re-use projects across Australia. This call for applications fulfils a 2010 election commitment by the government and will help even more Australian communities to harvest, treat and re-use stormwater.

The third stormwater funding round is now open and will close on 7 December 2011 at 5 pm. (AEDT).

For further information, please visit www.environment.gov.au/water/program/index.html or telephone 1800 218 478 (toll free).