The Victorian Government is funding improvements to water infrastructure to make the most of our current water supply, as we face the challenge of a drier climate and increased demand from population growth.
Minister for Water Lisa Neville announced that the $14.1 million Integrated Water Management grants will run over three years to boost our water security by co-investing in priority projects identified in Melbourne and across regional Victoria.
The investment will provide $11 million to infrastructure projects, with the remainder on feasibility studies and business case development.
The Integrated Water Management grants are open to more than 100 organisations including local government, Traditional Owner groups, water corporations and catchment management authorities.
Successful projects from previous Integrated Water Management grants include Tarralla Creek Stormwater Harvesting System in Croydon, which will deliver 13 megalitres of water savings through use of alternative water to irrigate parkland with the Government providing $1.57 million towards the $2.59 million project.
Another example is the Beaufort Closed Loop Recycled Water Scheme by Central Highland Water and Pyrenees Shire, which will deliver 88 megalitres of recycled water per year for sporting and community facilities with the Government providing $1.4 million towards the $2.8 million construction project.
Round one of the new grants program has now opened for Metropolitan Melbourne and Regional Victoria. The grants also include a dedicated non-competitive, flexible funding stream for Traditional Owner Groups as well as the groups being eligible for the competitive funding streams.
For more information on the grants go to vic.gov.au/liveable/integrated-water-management-program.
We’re ensuring all Victorian have access to water into the future through our draft Central and Gippsland Sustainable Water Strategy. The Strategy outlines ways to secure our water supply with options like using more recycled water and stormwater, desalination and reducing household water targets.
We are now looking for public feedback to inform the final strategy, that will be released next year. You can have your say on the draft strategy at engage.vic.gov.au/central-and-gippsland-region-sustainable-water-strategy.
As stated by Minister for Water Lisa Neville
“These grants encourage organisations to work together and activate open spaces for the community to enjoy, which is more important than ever with more people spending time outside.”
“We’re build our climate resilience by saving water through projects such as stormwater harvesting and increased water recycling.”
“We need to adapt to our changing climate and increased demand for water – so we can continue supporting agriculture, industry and jobs while ensuring we have water for environmental, cultural and recreational use.”
