Portfolio Media Releases

Funding for local water saving ideas

Article Categories: Goldstein Media Releases, Environment, Funding

Andrew Robb, Federal Member for Goldstein, welcomed the launch of the third round of the Australian Government’s $200 million Community Water Grants programme.

“I urge all environment, sporting clubs, schools, service clubs, local government, and other community organisations in the bayside area to apply for a Community Water Grant to save and protect our water.

“Funding of up to $50,000 will be provided for water saving, recycling and treatment projects that demonstrate community involvement and a clear public benefit. Applicants and projects that meet special eligibility criteria can also apply for a larger grant of between $100,000 and $250,000,” Andrew Robb said.

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.

The Community Water Grants programme is the community component of the $2 billion Australian Government Water Fund. In the previous two rounds, 3,194 projects received $121 million in funding for projects that are saving a combined total of 27,000 mega litres of water.

“To date, there have been nine organisations who have submitted successful applications in the bayside area. I commend those groups on their successes and hope they will serve as an inspiration to other local groups who are considering applying” Andrew Robb said.

The groups who have so far received funding under previous rounds of the Community Water Grants programme, and shared in more than $300,000 worth of funding, are;

• Bayside City Council

• Beaumaris North Primary School

• Black Rock Primary School

• Cheltenham Primary School

• Kilvington Baptist Girls Grammar

• Rotary Club of Beaumaris

• Sandringham Primary School

• St Agnes Church

• Star of the Sea College

Application forms, guidelines and information session details for round three are available from www.australia.gov.au/communitywatergrants or by phoning 1800 780 730.

Applications close on 4 July 2007.

Media contact: Megan Cox 9557 4644 / 0414 492 674