Round Five Now Open

Applications Close 9 November 2007

The Smart Water Fund is part of a commitment by the water industry and the Government to encourage individuals, community groups, businesses and industry in the development of innovative ideas that will make a difference to the way we use our water resources. Already from previous funding rounds, an amount of approximately $20 million has already been made available to over 120 individuals, community groups, businesses and industry that are delivering innovative sustainable water use projects benefiting metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria. Information on each of the funded projects can be found here.

Round Five, presents a further amount of up to $5 million available to support additional sustainable water use projects within the geographic areas of greater metropolitan Melbourne and regional urban Victoria. Funding is available through various funding streams (refer below).

Download the Smart Water Fund Round 5 brochure.(869 kb PDF file)

Funding Stream Summary

Round Five of the Smart Water Fund has two unique funding streams available. It is important to select the funding stream that is most relevant to you and your proposed project. The two different funding streams are as follows:

Stream 1- Research and Development into key challenges facing the water industry

This stream seeks project submissions for research and development into key challenges facing the water industry within the geographic boundaries serviced by Melbourne’s metropolitan water businesses.

There are eight different topics for investigation:

• Optimal Biosolids Land Application Strategies
• Quantification of pathogen removal in activated sludge treatment
• Assessment of alternate water restriction models
• Socio Economic impacts of Water Restrictions
• Guidelines to support household greywater use 
• Feasibiltiy of decentralised wastewater treatment to sustain recreational facilities
• Water Efficiency Design Improvements for Evaporative Air Coolers
• Water Smart Behavioural Change - Smart Metering

Funding for this stream (Stream 1) is open to any professional research body (eg research organisations, universities, CRC’s, consultants) that is equipped with the personnel and technological know-how to address the requirements of the relevant project brief. This stream is funded by the Smart Water Fund and has a total funding allocation of up to $2 million.

You are required to use the Research and Development Application Pack if applying under this stream.

Obtain a detailed project brief for any of the above subject areas and the Research & Development Application Pack here.

Important Notes:

• Applications are required to be submitted in electronic & hardcopy, therefore it is encouraged that you obtain the Application Pack in the Word version via the download or email option.
• It should be noted that, despite a desire to have research conducted in each of the nine identified project area’s, based on the quality of applications received and the funding requested, not every project area may be awarded funding in this Round. Applications will be assessed on a project by project basis and applications delivering the highest return on investment will be prioritised.

Stream 2 - Open Category for Victoria-wide Urban Innovations

This stream seeks project submissions for innovative sustainable water use projects that focus on water conservation, water recycling and/or biosolids reduction or reuse that provides a benefit to Victoria-wide urban areas (including metropolitan Melbourne).

Funding for this stream (Stream 2) is open to any individual, community group, commercial enterprise or professional research body that is equipped with the know-how to address the proposed project. This stream is funded by the Smart Water Fund with a total funding allocation of $3 million. As per the funding commitment outlined in the White Paper, to extend the reach of the Smart Water Fund into regional urban Victoria, monies have been allocated to metropolitan Melbourne ($2 million) and regional urban Victoria ($1 million) for Victoria-wide urban innovation projects.

You are required to use the Open Category for Victoria-wide Urban Innovations Application Pack if applying under this stream.

Obtain the Open Category for Victoria-wide Urban Innovations Application Pack here. To have this information sent by mail, phone 1800 882 432.

Advisory Service For Individuals & Community Groups
The Smart Water Fund now offers an Advisory Service for community groups and individuals who require guidance and advice in completing the Application. To access this service please phone us on 1800 882 432 or email us at advisory@smartwater.com.au

Important Note:Applications are required to be submitted in electronic & hardcopy, therefore it is encouraged that you obtain the Application Pack in the Word version via the download or email option.