Funding Applications

With the State and Federal Government giving away millions of dollars in funding allocations for sustainability and water savings, stormwater or rainwater harvesting and recycling projects it has become quite an art to know where, when and how to apply for relevant funds. Talk to us about previous applications.

Whilst water remains in short supply there are a huge number of funds available to support the implementation of projects that help save water. Before embarking on any project, it helps to check against the various programs which ones may provide the best support. Conversely, just seeing the programs available, can often trigger the development of whole new water conservation initiatives to take advantage of funding opportunities offered.

Despite the fact that water is still relatively cheap in Australia, these funds help make a large number of water savings initiatives commercially viable. It is one avenue how the Government helps stimulate the economy by supporting the transition to a more sustainable water management.

Current funding opportunities include:

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. So it is always best to check at the relevant authority’s web site first.

National

Stormwater Harvesting Fund Round #3

This is probably 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 waters .
  • Max 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 $2m mark.

Contact us for a free assessment of your stormwater or large rainwater harvesting potential.

Other Funding

  • Re-Tooling for Climate Change
    This fund provides $10k to $500k up to a maximum of one third of the cost of each project. It has been allocated $75m 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 $10m.  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 $10k to install water saving and water efficient devices are available. Applications can be submitted any time (until 31 March 2014). 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 $30m over 5 years for projects saving water & energy in business operations in NSW. Round 1 was for $11.7m. Round 2 is expected to be held any time soon now. http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/grants/ccfund.htm
  • NSW Public Facilities Program
    It provides $30m over 5 years for non-profit public or educational facilities for projects which save, harvest and recycle water. There are 2 funding rounds per year. 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. http://www.sydneywater.com.au/
  • LGSA Water Loss Management Program
    $22m for local water utilities to adopt innovative and practical water-saving solutions.
    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.  http://www.industry.qld.gov.au/
  • ecoBiz Environmental Protection Agency
    $1k to $150k to achieve resource and cost savings through more efficient use of energy, materials and water. http://www.epa.qld.gov.au/environmental_management
  • Queensland Sustainable Energy Innovation Fund (QSEIF)
    Grants of up to $200k for specific, projects to reduce use of potable water including recycling, leakage, efficiency.   http://www.epa.qld.gov.au/environmental_management

Victoria

Western Australia

Northern Territory

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

Authority/Association Funds

How to Choose the Best Fund?

Naturally, the first criteria is eligibility. It is worthwhile to carefully read the criteria. Next the size needs to be considered. Some are for very large projects only (by stipulating e.g. a minimum project size of >$4m), some are for very small projects, some are rebated programs. Then it must be checked if the fund focuses on supporting innovation or places greater emphasis on the funding amount required to achieve the promised water savings ($/kL).

Funding will be in a number of different ways too. Some provide payment down to a minimum self funded payback of 2.5 to 3 years (with a cap in terms of the maximum funding contribution), some provide 50:50 funding. Cashflow planning is important too. Deadlines, may be in fixed rounds or rolling.

What the funds can and cannot do

All can help get a project over the line. Typically, none will pay for all the cost though, meaning each organisation will still have to find funds of their own. Most funds will also not pay limitless amounts. Often not much more than $10/kL saved will be paid. Some can help with ideas, concepts, and all are built on creating publicity and achieving recognition for the water conservation measures implemented and the organisations involved.

Stormwater harvesting or desalination? 17/01/12

Is our love affair with stormwater harvesting emotional or can it be supported by rational scientific arguments? Guenter Hauber-Davidson runs the numbers. BEN

New Qld Funding for developing energy and water-saving technologies 5/01/12

QSEIF funding of $200,000 for developing innovative technologies to save energy and water –closes 24 February 2012