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Quick screening environmental assessment tool developed to assess infrastructure options13 October 2008 The University of New South Wales has developed a new software tool to assist infrastructure planners in choosing servicing options with the lowest environmental impacts. Funded through Smart Water Fund grant, UNSW spent two years developing this package, known as the Environmental Sustainability Assessment Tool (ESAT). Traditional life cycle assessment provides detailed analyses however can take many months at a significant cost. ESAT allows infrastructure planners to complete a quick screening of alternative servicing options to help select the option that has the lowest environmental impact. ESAT draws upon indicative life cycle assessment data which allows a planner to complete a quick analysis within a few hours, rather than the more in-depth work required for a complete life cycle assessment. This initial screening can then help narrow down the options to a more manageable number for a full life cycle assessment if required. An example of the software output is shown below. 
Click here for the Environmental Sustainability Assessment Tool v1. Click here to view the ESAT Manual. Smart Water Fund Round 6 closing soon18 August 2008 Stream 1 R&D applications close Friday 19 September 2008 With one month to go until the close of Round 6 stream 1 applications, the Smart Water Fund is encouraging the research and development community to apply for funding to address key research areas identified by the water industry. There are seven topics for which the Fund is seeking research proposals. The topics focus on the following areas:
Smart Water Fund Stream 1 projects offer the research community the opportunity to work collaboratively with the water industry on the significant challenges facing the industry. For more information on the topics listed above download a detailed project brief and an application pack. Click here to download an application pack and individual topic briefs. Stream 2 open category for Victoria-wide innovations applications close Friday 22 August 2008 With up to $3 million of funding available across Victoria; businesses, community groups, research organisations and individuals with innovative sustainable water use projects have until Friday 22 August 2008 to submit applications for Round 6 Smart Water funding. Applications must be submitted by post and the Fund reminds all applicants that they must include printed and electronic versions of their application in their submissions. For any enquiries regarding the submission of applications please call 1800 882 432 or email info@smartwater.com.au Smart Water Fund Newsletter – April 2008 Edition10 July 2008 Welcome to July 2008 edition of Smart Water Fund News. In this issue we cover the launch of Round 6 funding at CERES Community Environment Park by Minister for Water, Tim Holding. You will also find articles on:
Up to $5 million in funding now available for smart water projects - Smart Water Fund Round 6 now open:25 June 2008 The Smart Water Fund today announced up to $5 million of funding for innovative sustainable water use projects is now available in a new funding round of the Smart Water Fund. Businesses, community groups, individuals and research organisations are urged to apply for the funding, which is available for water conservation, water recycling and biosolids management projects. “With Melbourne’s water storages just under 30 per cent full and strict water restrictions in force across Victoria, there is an ongoing need to find innovative ways to conserve water,” said Kate Vinot, spokesperson for the Smart Water Fund. “The Smart Water Fund supports creative projects in metropolitan Melbourne and regional towns that conserve and recycle water. It then shares the learnings gained from these projects to build Victoria’s water saving knowledge.” Funding for innovative sustainable water use projects will be available in two stages:
“The first five rounds of Smart Water Funds grants have supported projects that make a difference to water sustainability. Anyone with an innovative water wise idea should get an application pack and apply for a grant” says Ms Vinot. Since it began in 2002, the Smart Water Fund has provided $25 million in grants to over 150 projects. Earlier Smart Water Fund projects that have shown promising results include:
Applications for funding close 22 August 2008. For further information or to request an application pack click on the "Round 6 now open" tab or email info@smartwater.com.au
Round 6 Coming Soon1 May 2008 The Smart Water Fund will soon release its Round 6 Funding Program. The Fund will offer $5 million towards innovative projects that undertake water conservation, recycling and biosolids management in Metropolitan Melbourne and Regional Victoria. Potential applicants are encouraged to start thinking about innovative solutions that may be eligible for funding. The full details of Round 6 will be available to the public closer to the official launch date. To be kept up to date with the progress of Round 6 you can subscribe to our free quarterly newsletter by clicking here. Smart Water Fund Newsletter – April 2008 Edition23 April 2008 Welcome to April 2008 edition of Smart Water Fund News. In this issue we cover the announcement of successful Round 5 grantees at an event with Minister for Water, Tim Holding in early April. You will also find articles on:
Smart Water Fund Round 5 announcement: $5 million for innovative solutions to water challenges9 April 2008 $5 million has been allocated to 26 innovative water saving and water recycling projects across Victoria. Water Minister Tim Holding today awarded grants to businesses, sporting clubs, research centres and other organisations throughout Melbourne and regional Victoria for Round 5 of the Smart Water Fund. “Following 11 years of drought and with the challenges of climate change and population growth we need to use water more efficiently,” Mr Holding said. “Finding new and innovative ways to conserve and recycle water is essential to securing Victoria’s water future. “Twenty-six innovative projects have been provided grants which will make a significant contribution to our knowledge about how to save and reuse water. “These Smart Water Fund recipients have developed creative new solutions to saving and protecting our precious water resources and are making a significant contribution to Victoria’s collective water knowledge.” The Smart Water Fund provides seed funding for water conservation, water recycling, research and development projects and bio-solids management projects with most recipients contributing additional funds or in-kind support for their project. Projects supported under the Fund, with grants of between $10,000 and $400,000, will help cut water consumption across the State and increase recycling. Since its inception in 2002, the Smart Water Fund has provided over $25 million in grants to over 150 projects. Successful projects under Round 5 of the project include:
The Brumby Government’s Smart Water Fund is an initiative of Melbourne’s water businesses - City West Water, South East Water, Yarra Valley Water, Melbourne Water - and the Department of Sustainability and Environment.
Smart Water Fund Newsletter – January 2008 Edition30 January 2008 The January 2008 edition of the Smart Water Fund Newsletter is now available. Please click on the pdf file below to view the current Smart Water Fund Newsletter.
New Water Saving Guide Book Shows The Way To A Water Smart Home7 December 2007 The Smart Water Fund and the Alternative Technology Association (ATA) have launched a water saving guide book with recommendations of how to reduce drinking water in and around the home by 96 per cent. The book Water not down the drain: a guide to using rainwater and greywater at home, provides homeowners with a practical step by step guide to creating water smart homes using rainwater and greywater. The book was written by Stuart McQuire, who lives with his family in ‘The West Brunswick Sustainable House’, a family home that demonstrates the effectiveness of using rainwater and greywater as a substitution for drinking water. Using the recommendations outlined in the book, the McQuire family has reduced the use of drinking water in their home by 96 per cent. They currently use less than 20 litres per day. According to Mr McQuire, using rainwater and greywater is an easy and effective method for homeowners to reduce their reliance on precious drinking water for non consumptive uses. “The book shares what we as a family have learned and gives advice on water-saving options, so that readers can make the most of rainwater and greywater. “In our home we have shown that sustainable water practices can be implemented successfully, even during periods of drought, without the need for costly renovation or rebuilding,” Mr McQuire said. In launching the book Smart Water Fund spokesperson and South East Water Acting Chief Executive Officer Kate Vinot congratulated Mr McQuire on his commitment to spreading the sustainability message. “The Smart Water Fund is proud to have helped Mr McQuire’s share his knowledge of sustainable water use in an easy to read format” said Ms Vinot. The production of the book was funded through a Smart Water Fund Round 4 grant and was designed, edited and published by the Alternative Technology Association. Water not down the drain is available for purchase from www.notdownthedrain.org.au. Smart Water Fund Newsletter – October 2007 Edition18 October 2007 The October 2007 edition of the Smart Water Fund Newsletter is now available. In this edition we cover the launch of Round 5 funding and take a look at a number of Smart Water Fund projects currently underway. Please click on the pdf file below to view the current Smart Water Fund Newsletter.
Smart Water Fund News18 October 2007 Melbourne’s hotels are demonstrating that with just a few simple steps, they can save money and resources without sacrificing high standards of service through an initiative funded by a Smart Water Fund grant. Taking their lead from a toolkit developed through the City of Melbourne’s Savings in the City program, Melbourne hoteliers and staff are working hard to reduce water, energy and waste in the city’s hotels. The Water Wise Toolkit is targeted at hotel managers, chief engineers, food and beverage managers, house keeping and those responsible for staff training and work practices. The toolkit offers practical information on how to successfully integrate water conservation programs in the management of hotels, motels, serviced apartments and hostels. With 30 hotels and serviced apartments, of varying sizes now participating in the pilot program, Savings in the City is already demonstrating significant savings. In the first year of the trial, the Jasper Hotel in Elizabeth Street has been the most successful in the program, reducing water use by 41 per cent, followed by the Saville City Suites in Jolimont with a 26 per cent reduction. Hotel managers have praised the kit for its easy-to-use format and encouraged all hotels to download, review and implement the water audit and various tips in the guide. The online version is available through the City of Melbourne and Smart Water Fund websites. Telephone 03 9658 9658 or visit www.melbourne.vic.gov.au for more information on the Savings in the City program.
Smart Water Fund Newsletter – July 2007 Edition3 July 2007 The July 2007 edition of the Smart Water Fund Newsletter is now available. In this edition we take a look at the innovative approach to water saving taken by the Ovens Murray Football League in its drive to create a sustainable regional football competition. You will also find updates on other innovative projects funded through the Smart Water Fund including Tennis Victoria’s trial to reduce water use on suburban tennis courts and a water recycling project at Ballarat’s historic Sovereign Hill. Please click on the pdf file below to view the current Smart Water fund Newsletter.
Round 5 update7 June 2007 The Smart Water Fund will soon release its Round 5 Funding Program. The Smart Water Fund will offer $5 million towards innovative sustainable water use projects in metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria. Potential applicants are encouraged to start thinking about innovative solutions that may be eligible for funding. The full details for Round 5 will be available to the public closer to the official launch date. To receive email updates click here to join the Smart Water Fund mailing list. Dandenong Ranges Water cycle songs15th May 2007 With the help of the Smart Water Fund, the Dandenong Ranges Music Council and The Patch Primary School have produced a musical education kit to promote sustainability in schools. ‘The Water Cycle CD’ is a community based educational project that uses music and case studies as the foundation for a cross curricular, sustainability education resource. The CD includes two songs developed through community participation following song writing workshops held for students and parents. The songs ‘The Water Cycle’ and “Rapt in Water’ teach children the importance of water to our lives and environment and how to preserve this precious resource. A number of educational resources were developed to support the songs and teach students about the environment and sustainability. The educational resources were developed in accordance with the Victorian Essential Learning Standards (VELS) making them easy to incorporate into primary school environmental education programs.For more information of ‘The Water Cycle CD’ or copies of the educational resources please call the Smart Water Fund on 1800 882 432. To listen to the songs from ‘The Water Cycle CD’, click the links below.36 Round 4 Projects Announced28th March 2007 
On the 20th March 2007, the Minister for Water, Environment and Climate Change, the Hon John Thwaites MP announced 36 new funding recipients who have been awarded funding from Round 4 of the Smart Water Fund and the Victorian Water Trust. Funding has been awarded across both Metropolitan Melbourne and Regional Victoria to individuals, community groups and businesses who will be developing innovative approaches to water saving, water recycling and biosolids management. The Announcement was held at the Melbourne Aquarium - one of the organisations to be awarded funding. The Melbourne Aquarium will be developing and implementing an innovative, world first, water recycling process where they will aim to save 10,000 litres of potable water per week and reduce salt discharges to waste by 2 tonnes per week. Please click on the attachment for a full list of Round 4 projects.
Ovens and Murray Football League28 March 2007 The Ovens and Murray Football League (OMFL) are currently developing an innovative retrofit and environmental campaign involving the 10 clubs in their league. As a key component of the educational campaign the OMFL has developed a television add that encourages its players, supporters and the whole community to be water wise around their home. Click the button to view the ad which will be airing on Prime TV in the Wangaratta and Albury/Wodonga regions. Smart Water Fund Newsletter - March 2007 Edition28 March 2007 The March 2007 edition of the Smart Water Fund Newsletter is now available. The Newsletter provides an informative update on the Smart Water Fund and some of its innovative projects. Please click on the following pdf file to view.
Smart Water Fund Newsletter - December 2006 Edition14 December 2006 The December 2006 edition of the Smart Water Fund Newsletter is now available. The Newsletter provides an informative update on the Smart Water Fund and some of its innovative projects. Please click on the following pdf file to view
Round 4 Now Closed11 September 2006 Round 4 of the Smart Water Fund is now closed. Applications closed on the 6th September 2006 and we are currently undergoing the evaluation and approval process. Each application will be carefully considered with notification of the successful applicants anticipated to be announced at the end of November 2006. If you missed out on this Round of Funding please keep your eye out on our website or subscribe to our newsletter for the Launch of Round 5 which we anticipate will be in the first half of next year 2007. Smart Water Fund Newsletter - August 2006 Edition17 August 2006 The August 2006 edition of the Smart Water Fund Newsletter is now available. The Newsletter provides an informative update on the Smart Water Fund and some of its innovative projects. Please click on the following pdf file to view.
Round 4 Funding Now Available12 July 2006 The Smart Water Fund launched its Round 4 Funding Program on the 12th July. Round 4 presents a further $5 million to support innovative sustainable water use projects both in metropolitan Melbourne and regional urban Victoria. Round 4 also includes funding opportunities of an additional $1M from the Victorian Water Trust for research into sustainable water management area's. You are encouraged to download an Application Pack now and apply for funding for your innovative project. Applications Close 6 September 2006 Round 4 Update16 June 2006 The Smart Water Fund will soon be releasing its Round 4 Funding Program - anticipated for July 2006. Round 4 will present a further $5 million to support innovative sustainable water use projects both in metropolitan Melbourne and regional urban Victoria. Round 4 will also include funding opportunities of an additional $1M from the Victorian Water Trust for research into sustainable water management area's. You are encouraged to start putting your mind to any innovative solutions that may be eligible for Smart Water Fund or Victorian Water Trust funding. Further information will be available closer to the Launch date. Smart Water Fund Newsletter - May 2006 Edition24 May 2006 The May 2006 edition of the Smart Water Fund Newsletter is now available. The Newsletter provides an informative update on the Smart Water Fund and some of its innovative projects. Please click on the following pdf file to view.
Round 3 Update28th April 2006 The minister for water, John Thwaites, today announced the 35 recipients that were awarded Round 3 funding (including 4 grants for the Victorian Water Trust). A total of up to $5.6 million dollars has been awarded to innovative and research and development type projects in this current round. The event was held at the Rossdale Golf Club, which is the site of our aquifer and storage & recharge Round 2 project partnered together with CSIRO. Certificates of recognition were presented to the successful grantees. 
(Front centre to right) Jenny Lindell, Member for Carrum; John Thwaites, Minister for Water; Michael Carter, President, Rossdale Golf Club and Dennis Cavagna, Managing Director, South East Water and spokesperson Smart Water Fund, join successful funding recipients at the Rossdale Golf Club, site of Victoria’s first aquifer trial. Round 3 Applications Update20 February 2006
The Smart Water Fund's Independent Assessment Panel met on the 6th February 2006 and approved a suite of state wide projects that were presented to them across the 3 funding streams. All Applicants have now been notified of the results by post. Successful projects will be announced upon finalisation of Funding Agreements with each successful Applicant.
Smart Water Fund Newsletter - February 2006 Edition5 February 2006 The February 2006 edition of the Smart Water Fund Newsletter is now available. The Newsletter provides an informative update on the Smart Water Fund and some of its innovative projects. Please click on the following pdf file to view. The Smart Water Fund will soon be distributing future newsletters via email. If you would like to receive this Newsletter via email in the future, please advise us via email info@smartwater.com.au and you will be added to our subscriber list.
Smart Water Fund Newsletter - November 200528 November 2005 The November 2005 edition of the Smart Water Fund Newsletter is now available. The Newsletter provides an informative update on the Smart Water Fund and some of its innovative projects. Please click on the following pdf file to view.
Smart Water Fund Now Closed19 August 2005 Round 3 of the Smart Water Fund is now closed. We are currently undertaking the evaluation and approval process, carefully considering each application. The Smart Water Fund anticipates that notification to Applicants of the outcomes will occur in Dec 2005/January 2006. If you missed out on applying for funding in Round 3, stay tuned as we intend to release Round 4 of the Smart Water funding in the first half of 2006. Smart Water Fund Round 3 Now Open23 June 2005 Round Three of the Smart Water Fund is now open, as at the 23rd June 2005. Please visit the "Round 3 Now Open" Section to obtain further information and request an Application Pack. Smart Water Fund Round 311 March 2005 As announced in the Victorian Governments White Paper last year, the Smart Water Fund is to be extended for a further four years. Planning for Round 3 is underway and, once finalised, further details will be provided on this website and in the major daily newspapers in the coming weeks. Waste not want not – open day to open our minds to greywater’s potential3 March 2005 Melburnians are fast becoming a water conscious lot. But there is always more that can be done, such as re-using the water we waste when we shower, wash clothes and brush our teeth – some 65% of household water use. Greywater (used water from the bathroom, kitchen and laundry) can be diverted or recycled within the home and used for garden watering or toilet flushing. This Saturday and next, the Alternative Technology Association (ATA) is hosting an open days of seven Melbourne households trialling different greywater recycling systems. On March 5, the ATA is hosting a bus tour with speakers and a full tour of each household. The tour costs $45 and departs from the ATA, 332 Albert St, East Melbourne at 9.30am. The open days are designed to showcase the variety of greywater systems and how they are succeeding in saving water. The ATA’s trial of greywater systems has been funded by the Smart Water Fund – a government initiative designed to encourage innovation in water conservation and recycling, and help meet the Government’s water reduction targets (15% by 2010) and water recycling targets (20% by 2010). One household has reduced its water consumption by 90% - to just four buckets a day. The household’s last water bill was just over $6. The homes will be open this Saturday 26 Feb and Saturday 5 March, between 10 am and 4pm. Visiting four homes costs $20 or all seven for $30. The homes are situated across Melbourne: Frankston, Fitzroy, Maidstone, Ringwood, East Malvern, Brunswick and Highett. For bookings, visit www.ata.org.au or call 9419 2440. For further information, or to arrange an interview, contact:
November Smart Water Fund Update15 November 2004 An update is available to provide further information on various projects that have been funded by the Smart Water Fund. The update can be downloaded by clicking on the following icon.
Further Rounds of Smart Water Fund28 October 2004 The recently released White Paper, prepared by the Victorian Government, announces the extension of the Smart Water Fund for a further four years. Planning for Round 3 is underway and, once finalised, further details will be provided on this site later in the year. Smart Water Fund Update2 September 2004 
Minister for Water, John Thwaites, announcing the Round 2 successful applicants. The Minister for Water, John Thwaites, announced the 22 recipients of more than $3.5 million Smart Water funding on September 2, 2004. The Round 2 projects range from a major research study into underground aquifers for storage of treated stormwater to an industry best practice guide for bakers.The announcement was made at the Briar Hill Primary School – a successful Round 1 Smart Water Fund recipient – who worked with 10 partner schools to conduct a water audit, install rainwater tanks for toilet flushing and create water efficient gardens across all the schools.
May Smart Water Fund Update10 May 2004 An Update is available to provide further information on various projects that have been funded by the Smart Water Fund. The Update can be downloaded by clicking on the following icon.
Evaluation of Round 2 applications is underway23 February 2004 Applications for Round 2 funding closed on 9 January 2004. The Smart Water Fund received 220 diverse applications from a broad cross-section of industry, and many community groups and private individuals. Test Protocol for Greywater Systems11 December 2003 It is recommended by the Smart Water Fund that applications involving new greywater treatment systems download the attached document. This document sets out requirements of a testing program to fully evaluate greywater systems to Class A standard in preparation for regulatory approval. It should be noted that the document is subject to version control and may be updated from time to time.
Smart Water Fund Round Two27 August 2003 Following the allocation of Round 1 applications which were made in March / April 2003 it is expected that Round 2 Applications for Smart Water funding will be opened during October 2003. It is also expected that Round 2 will close prior to Christmas 2003 with first funding being made available to successful applicants late in the first calendar quarter 2004. Based on feedback and experience from Round 1 the Application Pack for Round 2 is being modified and will be available for download from the website at the time of the Round 2 announcement. Round One Successful Applications Announced2 May 2003 The successful applicants of Round One of the Smart Water Fund have been announced. You can view these applicants by downloading the documents below.
Melbourne's Water Authorities, together with the Victorian Government would
like to congratulate the successful applicants. Applications for Round Two
funding are planned to open in August 2003.
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July Newsletter 2008
