Current Grants

Below is a list of the major funds available as this paper went to print with a brief description of its size, the funding amount, eligibility criteria, the types of projects each supports, deadlines and their web addresses. Note that details for these funds, including their web site addresses, change often. It is always best to check at the relevant authority's web site first.

National

Stormwater Harvesting Fund Round #3

This is likely the last round. $100 milion available. Previously funded projects are listed here. Key points are:

Fund is for urban stormwater harvesting and reuse projects. Any owner. Includes reducing the impact of urban runoff on the ecological condition of receiving water.
Maximum funding is 50%. Minimum project size is now $2 million (eligible for funding of $1 million).
Project work must be completed by 30 June 2016.
Applications close 7 December 2011.

If you would like us to assist in assessing the viability of a particular site, looking at the potential of water harvesting, savings and costs, please contact us now. If you have a large "seed" project, we would love to hear about it so we can see who else we can find in that area to bring the total project application volume above the $2 million mark.

Other Funding

Re-Tooling for Climate Change - This fund provides $10,000 to $500,000 up to a maximum of one third of the cost of each project. It has been allocated $75 milion over 4 years for projects that improve the energy and/or water efficiency of production processes. It is limited for businesses with a turnover of less than $10 million.

Web site: http://www.ausindustry.gov.au
National Rainwater and Greywater Initiative – The Water for the Future Program - Under this fund rebates of up to $500 for households to install rainwater tanks or greywater systems and grants to surf lifesaving clubs of up to $10,000 to install water saving and water efficient devices are available. Applications can be submitted any time (until 31 March 2014).

Web site: http://www.environment.gov.au/water/programs

At state level these funds are available. In addition, almost every water authority has a large variety of their own funding programs. It is best to contact them directly to see what is available.

NSW

Central Coast Water Savings Fund (new) Closes 5pm, 17 February 2011

Activities eligible for funding include, but are not limited to measures that:

reduce water used in equipment or processes; eliminate leaks or improve operating and maintenance practices.
reduce the use of drinkable water through alternative sources such as rainwater, stormwater or recycled water.

Climate Change Fund

Under this fund several programs are coordinated. The NSW Green Business Program provides $30 million over 5 years for projects saving water & energy in business operations in NSW. Round 1 was for $11.7 million. Round 2 is expected to be held any time soon now.

Web site: http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/grants/ccfund.htm

NSW Public Facilities Program

It provides $30 million over 5 years for non-profit public or educational facilities for projects that save, harvest and recycle water. There are 2 funding rounds per year.

Web site: http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/grants/ccfpfp.htm

Sydney Water – Water Saver Grant Program

The community savers stream provides funding of up to $40,000 for not-for-profit community organisations.

Web site: http://www.sydneywater.com.au/

LGSA Water Loss Management Program

$22 million for local water utilities to adopt innovative and practical water-saving solutions.

Web site: http://www.lgsa-plus.net.au/

Water for Life – Education Program

Grants of up to $50,000 to eligible community & local government organisations to deliver leading practice water education projects.

http://www.waterforlife.nsw.gov.au/

Queensland

Smart Futures Fund

$300 million through the Smart State Innovation Funds to build world-class research facilities, stimulate cutting-edge research projects and attract top-quality scientists to Queensland to lift economic, social and environmental outcomes.

Web site: http://www.industry.qld.gov.au/

ecoBiz Environmental Protection Agency

$1,000 to $150,000 to achieve resource and cost savings through more efficient use of energy, materials and water.

Web site: http://www.epa.qld.gov.au/environmental_management

Queensland Sustainable Energy Innovation Fund (QSEIF)

Grants of up to $200,000 for specific, projects to reduce use of potable water including recycling, leakage, efficiency.

Web site: http://www.epa.qld.gov.au/environmental_management

Victoria

Our Water Our Future

Round 2 of the Victorian Government's Stormwater and Urban Recycling Fund now open for applications - closes 5.00pm, 19 August 2010.

Victorian Smart Water Fund

$100,000 to $500,000 to support projects that investigate new technologies and approaches to water management, and demonstrate a benefit to Victoria's Water industry. New rounds open on 3 March 2011.

Web site: http://www.smartwater.com.au/

Victorian Sustainability Fund

http://www.sustainability.vic.gov.au/

Vision for Werribee Plains – Our Vision our Water

Stage 2. Projects that lead to sustainable development including water conservation, increased use of recycled water and waterway health. $10 million to June 2011.

Web site: http://www.ourwater.vic.gov.au/

Western Australia

WA Waterwise Rebate Program

Business benefits to achieve resource and cost savings through more efficient use of energy, materials and water, reduced solid and liquid waste disposal, better productivity, improved staff morale and risk minimisation.

Web site: http://portal.water.wa.gov.au/portal/page/portal/WiseWaterUse/WaterwiseRebates

Northern Territory

Efficient Water Use in the Territory: http://www.savewater.com.au/powerwater/water-efficient-products/rebates

Authority/Association Funds

Greening Grey - $500,000 fund with the Age Care Association to bring water efficiency to the age care sector.

Web site: http://www.greengrey.com.au/
Easy Blue - A program to fast track the implementation of water efficiencies measures run in association with South East Water. Learn more here