Stormwater harvesting and reuse projects
Third Competitive Grants Round
The Australian Government is calling for applications for funding to support eligible stormwater harvesting and reuse projects under the National Urban Water and Desalination Plan: stormwater harvesting and reuse grants round. Projects are sought that capture, treat and use stormwater to ease the pressure on drinking water supplies and deliver improved water quality to our urban waterways.
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.
Objectives
The objective of this grants round is to provide support for urban stormwater harvesting and reuse projects, in cities and towns that contribute to:
- improving the security of water supplies in Australia, without adding to greenhouse gas emissions
- reducing the demand for potable water supplies
- helping to reduce the impact of urban runoff on the ecological condition of receiving waters by protecting or improving water quality and the hydrological regime (e.g. protecting low flows and reducing the impact of high flows).
Funding available for individual project
Project funding is capped at 50 per cent of eligible capital costs, with a minimum project size of $2 million (eligible for funding of $1 million). While there is no maximum project size, funding from the Australian Government is capped at $20 million (GST exclusive) per project.
Project work must be completed by 30 June 2016.
This is a competitive grants round and meeting eligibility criteria does not guarantee funding.
Timing
Applications are due by Wednesday, 7 December 2011 (5pm AEDT). Late applications may not be considered.
Who is eligible to apply?
State, territory and local government, public water utilities and private companies are eligible to apply.
What projects are eligible for funding?
This grant round will support stormwater harvesting and reuse projects that use urban stormwater to reduce demand on potable water supplies and deliver improved water quality to our urban waterway.
Urban stormwater is defined as "rainwater that runs off urban impervious surfaces such as roofs, pavements, car parks and roads". Information on eligible projects can be found in the funding and implementation guidelines.
Projects under this round must include stormwater harvesting and reuse; however projects that have multiple benefits will be highly regarded (such as including a component to assist in the management of localised flooding).
Projects which are not eligible for funding can be found in Section 3 Project Requirements of the Stormwater Harvesting and Reuse Projects Implementation and Funding Guidelines June 2011.
Guidelines
Those wishing to apply for funding under this round should frame their proposals to meet the eligibility and merit criteria outlined in the guidelines. Applications will be assessed against these guidelines. Explanatory notes and descriptions of the information required are provided to assist in preparing the application (see Section 9 Explanatory notes for Application Preparation of the Stormwater Harvesting and Reuse Projects Implementation and Funding Guidelines June 2011).
Note: These guidelines are different to those issued for stormwater funding rounds one and two. The department reserves the right to alter the guidelines at any time so please monitor the website for notification of any changes.
Applications
Applications for funding should be lodged electronically, on the application form available from the website. One complete hard copy application is also required with a signed Legal Authorisation Form and supporting information (on CD/DVD or USB). This should be sent to:
Director
National Urban Water and Desalination Plan
Urban Water Security Branch
Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities
GPO Box 787
CANBERRA ACT 2601
Applications may be rendered ineligible for funding, or assessment delayed if they:
- are inconsistent with the guidelines
- are not completed in full
- do not provide adequate supporting documentation
- are not received by Wednesday, 7 December 2011 (5pm AEDT).
Funding Agreement
All successful applicants will be required to enter into a standard funding agreement with the Australian Government. It is an eligibility requirement (refer to Eligibility Criterion 2 in the guidelines) that applicants agree to accept the terms and conditions of the standard funding agreement.
Frequent Questions and Answers
All your questions answered for the third competitive round of the stormwater harvesting and reuse projects grants.
Further information
Information sessions
Working with stormwater industry and local government associations, and state government agencies, information sessions on the National Urban Water and Desalination Plan: stormwater harvesting and reuse grants round will be held in locations across Australia.
| City | Location | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Melbourne | 10 August 2011 | |
| Brisbane | The Eagle Street Conference Centre, 175 Eagle Street |
2.00pm, 25 August 2011 |
| Sydney | Dooleys, Church Street, Lidcombe | 10.00am, 26 August 2011 |
| Adelaide | National Wine Centre, Corner of Botanic and Hackney Roads |
10:15am, 15 September 2011 |
| Perth | 168 St Georges Terrace, The Atrium, 4th Floor Theatrette | 11:00am - 12:15 pm, 19 September 2011 |
| Mandurah | 107 Breakwater Parade, Mandurah Ocean Marina, Conference Room, Ground Floor | 2:30pm - 3:30 pm, 19 September 2011 |
Please contact the department for further information on the sessions and to register your attendance.
Contact
To register your interest, obtain further information or register your attendance at an information session, telephone 1800 218 478 (toll free) or email: stormwaterfunding@environment.gov.au
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