27 June
2006 - The Australian Government today announced
the chance for community organisations, schools
and the Indigenous community to apply for a Community
Water Grant to save and protect one of our most
precious resources, our water.
The Australian Ministers for
the Environment and Heritage, Senator Ian Campbell,
and Fisheries, Forestry and Conservation, Senator
Eric Abetz, today launched the second round of
the $200 million Community Water Grants programme.
The Community Water Grants programme
is the community component of the Australian Government
Water Fund, the $200 million Community Water Grants
programme.
“The programme encourages better
water use and improvements in water health and
quality through practical on-the-ground projects,
such as reducing pollutants reaching our streams,
and water recycling and efficiency initiatives,”
Senator Campbell said.
“Community Water Grant projects
promote wise water use and community engagement
and awareness about water saving and efficiency,
water reuse and recycling, and water health,”
Senator Abetz said.
Grants worth up to $50,000 will be provided for
water saving, recycling and treatment projects
that demonstrate community involvement and a clear
public benefit.
Round one of the programme was
an outstanding success, with $61 million awarded
to 1,1000 water saving projects expected to save
around 18 billion litres of water a year (equal
to 18,000 community swimming pools).
The Ministers encouraged all
Australians to apply for a grant and join the
Australian Government's efforts to protect water
quality and the nation's water supplies.
Application forms and guidelines are available
from www.australia.gov.au/communitywatergrants
or by calling 1800 780 730.
Applications open on 1 July 2006 and close on
25 August 2006.
Rob Broadfield / Brad Stansfield
