The Victorian Government has announced $14 million in Integrated Water Management grants, running over three years to improve infrastructure and boost water security.
The grants will invest in priority projects identified in Melbourne and across regional Victoria, with $11 million allocated to infrastructure projects, and the remainder to 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.
Victoria Minister for Water, Lisa Neville, said, “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 building 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.”
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 Victorian 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.
