Round 6 Now Open

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, approximately $23 million has been made available to over 145 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 six, 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).

Funding Stream Summary

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

Stream 1 Applications Close 19 September 2008

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 seven topics that will be considered for research activity. The topics will focus on the following areas:

• Optimising land application of biosolids based on nutrient behaviour
• Verificiation techniques for alternative biosolids treatment processes
• Performance risk management of small scale water recycling treatment plants
• Best practice pre-treatment processes for trade waste
• Assessing the suitability of recycled water use for household laundry use
• Evaluating costs and benefits of water conservation initiatives across the water cycle
• Evaluating water volumes through the non registration of domestic water meters

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.
Download Stream 1 Application Pack Here

Important Notes:

• Applications are required to be submitted in electronic & hardcopy.
• It should be noted that, despite a desire to have research conducted in each of the seven 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

Stream 2 Applications Closed 22 August 2008

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 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.

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.
• Applications will be assessed on a project by project basis and applications delivering the highest return on investment will be prioritised.