Prime Minister's Water Wise Award – Frequently asked questions
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Eligibility
Our organisation installed new equipment in January 2006 which has been producing significant water savings, is our project eligible?
The Award recognises recent water efficiency savings, savings which have occurred since July 2007. Earlier savings, whilst commendable are not eligible.
I have reduced water usage on my farm through the installation of new innovative irrigation equipment. Can I be considered for the Award?
The purpose of the Award is to reduce water savings in commercial and industrial water users in urban cities and towns. The Irrigation Association of Australia runs their own awards program that focuses on water efficiency in farming practices.
I am a farmer that has reduced water usage in my dairy through changing cleaning practices. Am I eligible for the Award?
Yes, as the water saving is not through irrigation efficiency and the farm is a registered business, the project would be eligible.
We had to create a water efficiency plan as part of mandatory requirements and reduce our water usage as a result of legislation. Are our projects eligible?
Yes, as long as the project achieved water savings, then it is eligible for consideration towards the Award.
Types of projects
We are a small commercial organisation, that doesn't use significant volumes of water usage (10ML/annum or less), however we have still saved water. Would our water saving project be considered?
The Award is open to any commercial or industrial water user regardless of the size of the organisation. Whilst volume of water savings is important, the selection panel will be comparing savings to other similar facilities.
There are no other organisations similar to ours? How will the selection panel compare water savings?
It is up to the nominee to provide as much information as necessary for the selection panel to assess projects. Where there is limited similar Australian facilities, the selection panel will review the project on its own merits based on the information provided.
One of the merit criteria is innovation. Is stormwater harvesting and recycling considered innovative?
Whilst projects such as stormwater harvesting and recycling are becoming more common, the selection panel will review 'innovation' in terms of implementation, unusual obstacles overcome etc. it is up to the nominee to indicate how their project is innovative.
Submitting Nominations
Should we send our nomination to the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts as well as the Secretariat?
No. Applications need to be submitted to the Prime Minister's Water Wise Award Secretariat. Details can be found in the Nomination Guidelines. Nominations submitted to the Department will not be considered for the Award.
Our nomination includes commercially sensitive material, can this be protected?
It is the nominees' responsibility to outline what information is commercially sensitive at the time of submission. Please refer to Part 5 of the nomination guidelines which addresses privacy and confidentiality arrangements.
Should we submit both an electronic and hard copy version of our nomination?
The preferred method of submission is through email. As there are a number of judges involved in the assessment of the projects, it is preferential to have a soft copy of the application.
Will we receive a receipt for our nomination?
Nominations submitted electronically will be processed more quickly and receive a receipt promptly. All nominees will be provided with a receipt. Can we receive an extension to submit our nomination?
Due to the short timeframe, it will not be possible to provide an extension for nominations. Nominations received after the closing date and time will not be considered for the Award.
Judging
Who are the judges for the Award?
The judges have been nominated by the Australian Water Association with the agreement of the Department. A representative from the Department is also on the judging panel. The panel is made up of senior representatives from the water industry. Are judges eligible to nominate?
Judges will be unable to nominate for the Award. Any conflicts of interest will be declared prior to the assessment of nominations.
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