SMART WATER GRANTS AVAILABLE

Nationals Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes, reminds organisations or individuals with innovative water management ideas that the Smart Water Fund Grants are now available.

“The grants provide funding for water saving projects with preference given to sustainable projects that involve or assist the broader community and that demonstrate efficient and effective water use,” Dr Sykes said.

“Funds available for projects range between $10,000 and $100,000 although this is just a guide.”

Funding under Round 7 is open to any individual, community group, commercial enterprise or professional research body that is equipped with the skills to implement the proposed project.

“Applications for funding must demonstrate thorough planning and a commitment to meet the requirements of the Smart Water Fund guidelines,” Dr Sykes said.

Previous successful applications include the Country Fire Authority’s industrial ecology project using treated hospital water for fire fighting, aquifer storage and recovery (ASR) at a suburban golf course and re-using stormwater ‘run-off’ for the maintenance of gardens.

“This is an excellent opportunity for individuals and organisations to access funds that assist in drought proofing our region.”

Guidelines and application forms are available from the Smart Water Fund hotline on 1800 882 432, www.smartwater.com.auor via email at advisory@smartwater.com.au  Applications close on Friday 20 November and successful applications will be notified in early 2010.

For further information contact Bill Sykes, 2/55 Carrier Street, Benalla or phone 5762 2100.