National Urban Water and Desalination Plan
The National Urban Water and Desalination Plan (NUWDP) is an important component of Water for the Future. It was announced during the 2007 election and launched by Senator the Hon Penny Wong, the then Minister for Climate Change and Water, on 29 April 2008.
The NUWDP provides funding for urban water infrastructure and research that contributes significantly to improving the security of water supplies in Australia's larger cities, without adding to greenhouse gas emissions.
The NUWDP has two main categories of projects:
- specific projects announced during the 2007 and 2010 election periods
- projects selected as a result of competitive grant rounds held in 2009 and 2010.
The centres of excellence (centres) are included in both categories, as the intention to establish the centres was announced during the 2007 election, with the proponents (or hosts) subsequently selected through a competitive process. These centres are supporting the development and commercialisation of technologies in desalination and in water recycling. With access to new technologies, our desalination and water recycling industries will be able to deliver water more effectively and with more efficient use of energy.
The expanded stormwater harvesting program
During the 2010 election, the government committed to expand the stormwater harvesting program. This commitment builds on the success of earlier stormwater harvesting and reuse grant rounds by making available an additional $100 million for a competitive grants round and two specific projects in South Australia (Waterproofing Eastern Adelaide and Waterproofing Greater Gawler). The third competitive grants round is open and the Australian Government is now calling for applications.
Update 29 November 2011
On 29 November 2011, the government released the 2011-12 Mid-Year Economic Fiscal Outlook, which includes a range of savings announcements reflecting government-wide savings measures. Included in the statement is a $50 million reduction in funding for the National Urban Water and Desalination Plan.
This saving will come from scaling back the round three call for projects under the expansion of the Stormwater Harvesting and Reuse Program.
As previously advised, applications for the funding round will close on 7 December 2011.
Applications will be assessed against the requirements of the program guidelines.
Program outcomes
Information about funded projects:
All Australian Government funding amounts listed for NUWDP is GST exclusive unless otherwise stated.
Continue to monitor the web site for project updates or changes to the program.
Related programs
- Water Smart
- National Water Security Plan for Cities and Towns
- National Rainwater and Greywater Initiative
- Green Precincts
Contact
For more information telephone 1800 218 478 (toll free).
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