Media Release: $5 MILLION ON OFFER FOR INNOVATIVE WATER SAVING PROJECTS

FROM THE MINISTER FOR WATER

DATE: Wednesday, June 25, 2008

$5 MILLION ON OFFER FOR INNOVATIVE WATER SAVING PROJECTS

The Brumby Government has announced a new round of grants of up to $500,000 for innovative water saving projects to help reduce demand on our drinking water supplies.

Water Minister Tim Holding today said up to $5 million is available for businesses, sporting clubs, research centres and other organisations throughout Melbourne and regional Victoria as part of the Smart Water Fund.

“The Brumby Government is taking action to encourage all Victorians to develop innovative ways to save and recycle water as we tackle the challenges of 12 years of drought, climate change and population growth,” Mr Holding said.

“The Smart Water Fund provides seed funding for water conservation, water recycling, research and development projects and bio-solids management projects.

“Finding new and innovative ways to conserve and recycle water is essential to securing Victoria’s water future.”

The Smart Water Fund is an initiative of the Brumby Government and Melbourne’s water businesses - City West Water, South East Water, Yarra Valley Water and Melbourne Water.

Two streams of funding are available in Round 6:
· $3 million for community groups and businesses with innovative water projects throughout Melbourne and regional centers; and
· $2 million for research and development into key challenges facing the water industry.

Mr Holding said that the research and development funding stream enabled detailed analysis of water issues facing Victoria and other parts of Australia.

“We are especially encouraging interest from sectors where water is crucial to providing key services - healthcare, tourism, the food industry, community facilities and the building sector,” Mr Holding said.

More than $25 million in seed funding has already helped more than 150 projects in water conservation, recycling, research and development and bio-solids management projects.

Mr Holding said past grant recipients include; CSIRO; Cadbury Schweppes; Murray Goulburn Co-operative, Heatherdale Tennis Club; Australian Car Wash Association and Bendigo Health.

“These Smart Water Fund projects have developed creative new solutions to saving and protecting our precious water resources and are making a significant contribution to Victoria’s collective water knowledge,” he said.

Applications for funding close 22 August 2008. For further information or to request an application pack, call 1800 882 432, visit www.smartwater.com.au or email info@smartwater.com.au